Removable Hygiene Compliance Module for Dispenser Usage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hygiene compliance monitoring systems require costly, permanently-installed dispensers and specialized training, limiting their widespread use and compliance with hand-washing standards, especially in industries like healthcare and food services.
Innovation Solution
A removable, self-powered hygiene compliance module for dispensing containers with a pivotable actuation arm that updates a count value when the dispensing nozzle is actuated, featuring a switch, controller, memory unit, and display to track usage, and optionally a data port for remote communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanently-installed dispensers are used for hygiene compliance monitoring, then monitoring reliability is improved, but device cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into separate functional modules: a removable compliance module that attaches to standard dispensers, a dispenser unit, and a central monitoring system. This segmentation allows the monitoring functionality to be applied to existing dispensers without permanent installation, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A removable compliance module serves as an intermediary between the dispenser and the monitoring system. This intermediate component captures actuation events and transmits data without requiring permanent modification of the dispenser or complex installation infrastructure, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying deployment
2Measurement precision
If permanently-installed dispensers with monitoring are deployed, then hygiene compliance tracking is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the monitoring functionality into a standalone compliance module that can be manufactured independently and attached to standard dispensers. This allows bulk production of simple, low-cost modules and uses existing dispenser manufacturing, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining precise compliance tracking through the dedicated monitoring module
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance module uses a simplified replica of the dispenser actuation mechanism (actuator arm and switch) that replicates the counting function without requiring the full dispenser assembly. This copying approach enables precise tracking at lower manufacturing cost by focusing resources on the monitoring function rather than the entire dispensing system
3Reliability
If specialized training is required for administering hygiene monitoring systems, then system reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance module is designed to be self-attaching to standard dispensers using simple mechanical interfaces that require no specialized training. The module automatically begins tracking when attached, and data is transmitted automatically, enabling non-expert users to deploy and operate the system while maintaining reliability through automated functions
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance module is designed to work with multiple types of standard dispensers across different settings (healthcare, food service, hospitality) without requiring device-specific configuration or training. This universal design enables any user to attach the module to various dispensers and achieve reliable compliance tracking without specialized knowledge
Data Source
AI summary
A point-of-care hygiene compliance module includes a housing that is adapted to be attached to a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated. The housing includes a pivoting actuation arm that is configured so as to be placed in operative contact with the dispensing nozzle. Thus, when the actuation arm is actuated, material is dispensed from the dispensing container, and a switch in operative contact with the actuation arm is actuated. The triggering of the switch updates a count value that is maintained by a controller, which may then be displayed or acquired by a remote computer to assess the amount of usage of the dispensing container.