Hand sanitizer dispensing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand sanitizer dispensing devices are not conveniently adaptable for direct mounting on scooters or bicycles, and they lack efficient mechanisms for selective dispensing and activation, especially in shared transportation systems.
Innovation Solution
A hand sanitizer dispensing device with an outer frame mounted to a scooter or bicycle, featuring a rack and pinion actuator mechanism for manual dispensing and a sensor-activated option, integrated with a mobile app for control and IoT functionality, allowing secure, efficient, and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard hand sanitizer dispensing device is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot be directly mounted on scooters or bicycles and lacks integration with shared transportation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device is designed with a universal mounting structure that can be attached to various surfaces including scooter handlebars, bicycle frames, and fixed locations. The outer shell incorporates multiple mounting interfaces (adhesive pads, mechanical clamps, threaded holes) that enable the same device to serve multiple mounting purposes without requiring different device versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where the pump mechanism is housed within the outer shell, the fluid container is nested within the pump housing, and the actuator mechanism is integrated into the shell structure. This nesting approach allows compact design suitable for mounting on space-constrained transportation devices while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Productivity
If manual activation mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the dispensing efficiency and user convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device offers an automatic activation mode where a sensor (optical or capacitive) detects the user's hand presence and automatically triggers the pump mechanism, replacing the need for manual mechanical actuation. This substitution of mechanical operation with sensor-based control significantly improves dispensing efficiency and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing it to switch between manual and automatic activation modes. The pump mechanism can be actuated by either direct mechanical input from a button/lever or by electrical signal from the sensor system, providing flexible operation adaptability to different user preferences and situations.
3Measurement precision
If selective dispensing control is added, then the dispensing precision is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a microcontroller that automatically controls the pump actuation duration and fluid dispensing quantity based on sensor input or user selection, eliminating the need for users to manually control dispensing parameters. The system self-regulates the dispensing process, providing precise control while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller monitors pump operation status, fluid level in the container, and sensor detection state to automatically adjust dispensing parameters. This closed-loop control ensures precise dispensing quantities while simplifying user interaction, as the system automatically compensates for variations in pump performance and fluid viscosity.
4Ease of operation
If IoT functionality and mobile app integration are added, then the usability and control capability are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a mobile application as an intermediary between the user and the dispensing system, transferring control commands and receiving status updates through wireless communication. This intermediary approach allows sophisticated control capabilities (remote activation, usage tracking, fluid level monitoring) without adding complex physical interfaces to the dispensing device itself, thereby enhancing usability while limiting the electronic complexity within the device.
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
Enables convenient, secure, and efficient dispensing of sanitizing fluid on scooters or bicycles, supporting shared transportation systems with user-friendly manual and automatic activation options, and integrated app control for enhanced usability.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator plate causes a depressible sleeve of the pump to be repeatedly depressed and released thereby causing the pump to successively pressurize a container of sanitizing fluid (such as a flexible bag) to thereby dispense the fluid through the connected nozzle.
Implementation Method 2
The handle or lever is connected to a rack and pinion type actuator mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand sanitizer dispensing device and method of dispensing sanitizing fluid are disclosed. The device may be mounted to a scooter, a bicycle or other transport devices. The device has an outer shell, an inner pod that holds a bag of sanitizing fluid, and a top cover that secures the inner pod to the outer shell. A pump/nozzle assembly communicates with an actuator to selectively dispense the fluid. The device may be operated manually or by automatic activation. The device may communicate wirelessly with a mobile communication device allowing the user to purchase use of the dispensing device remotely. User interfaces of the communication device guide the user to execute the purchase, to unlock the device for use among other available functions. A purchase transaction for use of the dispensing device can be achieved within a communication network with options as to how the dispensing device is unlocked and operated.