Hand Dryer Ingress Sensing to Prevent Basin Splashback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lavatory systems with separate hand dryers and wash basins lead to water and soap dripping on the floor, creating slippery and germ-infested areas, and existing integrated systems often result in splashback when users present their hands from the front to the drying zone.
Innovation Solution
A hand dryer system with a hand-receiving cavity above the wash basin, equipped with multiple proximity sensors that detect the point of entry and implement a delay before activating the air blower, preventing splashback by ensuring hands are fully inserted before air is blown, and incorporating features like air filters and antimicrobial components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the hand dryer is activated immediately when hands are detected, then the drying process starts quickly, but water splashes back onto the user's hands or clothes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a delay mechanism (typically 1-3 seconds) between hand detection and dryer activation. This preliminary waiting period allows the user to fully insert their hands into the drying zone before the air stream begins, preventing water splashback while maintaining efficient drying operation
2Ease of manufacture
If the hand dryer is mounted away from the wash basin, then it is easier to install and maintain, but water drips on the floor creating slippery and germ-infested areas
Solution Approach 1:
The hand dryer is integrated with the wash basin to form a unified lavatory system. The dryer is positioned directly above or adjacent to the basin, allowing water to drain into the basin rather than onto the floor. This merging eliminates the harmful effect of floor wetness while maintaining installation feasibility through standardized mounting configurations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple proximity sensors are used to detect point of ingress, then splashback is prevented by ensuring proper hand positioning, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple proximity sensors positioned at different locations (front, side, and rear of the drying zone). Each sensor monitors a specific region to detect hand ingress points. This segmentation provides comprehensive coverage and accurate hand positioning detection while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor placement and independent monitoring zones
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 system effectively reduces water and soap splashing, maintains a cleaner and safer environment by minimizing floor wetness and germ accumulation, and provides a cost-effective solution for high-traffic areas.
Implementation Method 1
Multiple proximity sensors are operably connected to the blower and turn the blower on and off when triggered by an object, i.e., detection of the user's hand(s)
Implementation Method 2
A blower provides a volume of air to the air outlets which is ultimately presented to the hand-receiving cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A lavatory system includes a hand dryer with at least a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor to detect an object for drying. A controller is communicatively linked to the first and second proximity sensors. The controller activates a drying operation after a first delay period if the first proximity sensor first detects the object for drying and activates a drying operation after a second delay period if the second proximity sensor first detects the object for drying. A filter flow sensor may also be provided to ensure proper filtering of the dryer's air.