Foaming Soap Dispenser with Motor-Driven Pumping and Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for soap require manual foaming, which is time-consuming and can lead to wastefulness and reduced cleaning efficacy due to improper foaming.
Innovation Solution
A foaming soap pump that includes a fluid storage unit, a pumping assembly with a motor and resilient members to draw and expel liquid soap, and a dispensing assembly with a foaming unit to convert liquid soap into foamed soap, allowing for efficient dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual foaming is used, then the user can control the foaming process, but it is time-consuming and can lead to wastefulness and reduced cleaning efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device automatically performs the foaming function through an integrated foaming unit that converts liquid soap into foamed soap without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates the foaming process, eliminating the time-consuming manual foaming step while ensuring consistent foam quality and cleaning efficacy.
2Ease of operation
If manual foaming is used, then the user can adjust foam quantity, but it can be wasteful and reduce cleaning efficacy due to improper foaming
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device incorporates a sensor device that detects the presence of an object (such as a user's hand) and provides feedback to the control system. This triggers the motor to activate the pumping assembly and foaming unit only when needed, precisely controlling the amount of foam dispensed. This feedback mechanism prevents both over-dispensing (waste) and under-dispensing (reduced cleaning efficacy).
3Productivity
If automatic foaming is implemented, then time efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated dispensing device: the reservoir stores liquid soap, the pumping assembly draws and meters the soap, the foaming unit converts it to foam, and the discharge nozzle delivers it. By merging storage, metering, foaming, and dispensing functions into one compact unit, the system achieves automatic operation and high productivity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If a motor-driven pumping assembly is used, then consistent soap dispensing is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven pumping assembly operates periodically rather than continuously. The sensor device triggers the motor to activate only when an object is detected, creating intermittent operation cycles. This periodic action maintains reliable and consistent soap dispensing when needed while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the motor idle during non-use periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device automatically converts liquid soap into foamed soap, reducing user effort and ensuring consistent cleaning efficacy while minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member can be actuatable between a first state and a second state. The volume of the compartment can be greater in the first state than in the second state. When the actuation member disengages from the resilient member, the resilient member moves from the second state to the first state. In some embodiments, the movement can thereby increase the volume in the compartment and draw liquid soap into the compartment.
Implementation Method 2
The foaming unit can be configured to convert the soap into foamed soap. The pumping assembly can be configured to draw air through an air inlet, the liquid product and the air mixing to form an aerated product.
Data Source
AI summary
Various dispensing devices, such as foaming soap pumps, are disclosed. The soap pump can include a fluid storage unit and a fluid handling unit. The fluid storage unit can include a reservoir that is configured to hold a quantity of product, such as liquid soap. The fluid handling unit can include a pumping assembly and dispensing assembly. The soap pump can be configured to withdraw liquid soap from the reservoir, convert the liquid soap to foamed soap, and dispense the foamed soap from the discharge assembly.