Foot-Pedal Hand Sanitizing Station Using Gravity-Fed Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a pressing need for an effective means to sanitize large numbers of hands in public establishments and venues, particularly without relying on electricity or other power sources, as frequent hand washing and sanitizing are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases like the novel coronavirus.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained hand sanitizing station that operates using head pressure from a sanitizer reservoir, where a foot pedal controls the flow of sanitizer through a valve and nozzle, allowing a measured amount to be dispensed without the need for pumps or electricity, ensuring reliable and frequent hand sanitization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump or electric power source is used to dispense sanitizer, then the dispensing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump and electric power source from the sanitizer dispensing system, extracting only the essential function of controlled dispensing. The head pressure from the reservoir directly drives the flow through a simple valve mechanism, eliminating complex mechanical or electrical components while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the sanitizer's own head pressure to drive the dispensing process without external power sources. The reservoir's weight and position create sufficient pressure to push sanitizer through the valve and nozzle, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for pumps or electricity.
2Ease of operation
If a foot pedal mechanism is added to control sanitizer flow, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal serves as a simple intermediary between the user and the valve mechanism. It translates foot pressure into valve actuation through a straightforward mechanical linkage, providing hands-free operation without introducing complex control systems. The cable connects the pedal's linear motion to the valve's rotational opening motion in a simple manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple mechanical foot pedal mechanism. The pedal, cable, and valve form a purely mechanical control system that is easy to understand and operate, eliminating the need for sensors, motors, or electronic controls while maintaining ease of use.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sanitizer is dispensed by gravity flow, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the control precision over sanitizer volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a valve that responds to head pressure changes and flow rate variations, providing natural feedback control. As sanitizer flows out, the decreasing pressure in the reservoir automatically modulates the flow rate through the valve, creating a self-regulating system that maintains reasonable volume control without active sensing or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls sanitizer volume by changing the valve opening duration and degree in response to pedal actuation, rather than attempting to precisely meter the flow. The system accepts natural variations in flow rate due to head pressure changes and relies on the user actuating the pedal for a standardized duration to achieve consistent dosing.
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 solution provides a simple, reliable, and effective means for large-scale hand sanitization, independent of power sources, ensuring consistent sanitizer distribution and reducing the risk of disease transmission by promoting frequent hand hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
sanitizer to flow by gravity from the conduit and out of the fluid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A hand sanitizing station includes a conduit in fluid communication with a source of sanitizer, the conduit having a fluid outlet. In addition, the hand sanitizing station includes a valve coupled to the conduit and configured to control the volume of sanitizer that exits the fluid outlet, the valve having a control arm. Further, the hand sanitizing station includes a pedal, and a cable connected between the pedal and the control arm of the valve and configured to move the control arm when the pedal is depressed and open the valve a predetermined amount. Movement of the pedal from a first position to a second position causes sanitizer to flow by gravity from the conduit and out of the fluid outlet, and movement of the pedal from the second position back to the first position closes the valve.