Foot Activated Dispenser Pneumatic Actuation Hygiene

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dispensers for liquid products, such as hand soaps, often become sources of germs and contaminants as users must touch the dispenser to operate it, especially in high-risk areas like public restrooms and hospitals, where 'hands-free' operation is desirable to minimize germ transmission.

Innovation Solution

A foot-activated dispenser design featuring a bladder connected to a piston pump within a shroud attached to a wall bracket, allowing users to dispense liquid products without direct hand contact, with the shroud being easily removable and replaceable without tools, and a bottle retainer that can be used independently or with the dispenser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hand operated pump or wall mounted dispenser is used, then the dispenser can be operated manually, but the surface becomes a source of germs and contaminants requiring hand contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operationVSAvoidgerm transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hand-operated mechanical pump with a foot-activated pneumatic system. The foot pedal activates a bladder that compresses air through tubing to a piston pump, which then actuates the bottle pump. This substitution eliminates hand contact with the dispenser surface while maintaining operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary pneumatic transmission system between the foot pedal and the bottle pump. Air acts as the mediator, transmitting force from the foot-activated bladder through tubing to the piston pump, which finally actuates the bottle pump mechanism. This intermediary system enables hands-free operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the pump is located outside the shroud, then the pump is easily accessible, but the pump wears out quickly and is expensive to replace

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump accessibilityVSAvoidpump durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the dispenser into modular components: a removable shroud containing the pump assembly, and a separate wall bracket. The shroud can be detached from the wall bracket, allowing the pump to be accessed, serviced, or replaced without replacing the entire dispenser structure. This segmentation balances protection with maintainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shroud is designed with dynamic accessibility - it is normally attached to protect the pump, but can be easily removed when maintenance is needed. The latch mechanism allows the shroud to transition between a protective closed state and an open maintenance state, providing both protection and serviceability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the shroud is securely attached to the wall bracket, then the dispenser is stable, but the shroud cannot be easily removed for pump replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshroud attachment stabilityVSAvoidshroud removability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is pre-configured with a catch that engages automatically when the shroud is attached to the wall bracket. This preliminary engagement provides stable attachment without requiring complex fastening procedures. The latch is designed to be manually actuated for quick release, combining stability with ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of repair

If tools are used to remove the shroud, then the attachment can be securely detached, but tools can carry microorganisms and damage the dispenser

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshroud detachmentVSAvoidcontamination and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is designed to be manually actuated by the user without requiring external tools. The user can release the catch by applying manual force to the latch, allowing the shroud to be removed easily. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for tools that could introduce contamination or cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 foot-activated dispenser reduces germ transmission by eliminating direct hand contact, allows for cost-effective maintenance and replacement of the pump, and ensures consistent product dispensing, while minimizing the risk of damage and bacterial growth.

Implementation Method 1

a user activates the dispenser by depressing the bladder with the user's foot, thereby sending air through the tubing to the piston pump. The air pushes the piston inside the pump down

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatics: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS7299951B2Foot activated dispenser

Publication Date: 2007.11.27 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

The invention generally relates to a foot activated dispenser and more particularly to a foot activated dispenser for dispensing a liquid product such as a skin care product (i.e. hand soap, hand sanitizer, surgical scrub, lotion, etc.). More specifically, the foot activated dispenser includes a bladder connected to tubing that is connected to a piston pump. The piston pump is located within a shroud that is removably attached to a wall bracket. The wall bracket includes a bottle retainer for holding a bottle having a pump.