Liquid dispensing units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public washroom fixtures often require manual operation, increasing the risk of germ transmission due to direct contact, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed through automation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser equipped with a proximity sensor and electronic processor that varies soap dispensation volume based on object distance, using a removable cartridge with a built-in battery for hands-free operation and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If manual operation of washroom fixtures is used, then device complexity is reduced, but germ transmission risk increases due to direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated sensor-based system. A proximity sensor detects the user's approach and triggers a motor-driven pump to dispense liquid automatically, eliminating the need for manual button pressing or lever pulling. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated sensing and actuation directly reduces germ transmission risk while managing the complexity through integrated control circuitry.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automated sensor-based dispensing is implemented, then germ transmission is reduced, but device complexity increases due to sensors and electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dispensing system operates autonomously by detecting the user's presence through a proximity sensor and automatically activating the pump mechanism. The system serves itself by converting the detection signal into motor activation and liquid dispensing without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces germ transmission while the integrated design keeps electronic complexity manageable through centralized control.
3Ease of repair
If a removable cartridge with battery is used, then maintenance frequency is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to integrated cartridge design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid dispenser into separate functional modules: a reusable main body housing the pump and control electronics, and a removable cartridge containing the liquid reservoir and battery. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be easily replaced when depleted, reducing maintenance frequency. The manufacturing complexity is managed by designing standardized attachment interfaces between the cartridge and main body, enabling modular assembly.
4Ease of operation
If dispensation volume varies with object distance, then user convenience is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase for accurate distance sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides partial automation by using distance-based triggering rather than full precision control. The proximity sensor detects when the user is within a threshold distance to activate dispensing, which is sufficient for user convenience without requiring millimeter-level precision. The motor runs for a fixed duration or until a set volume is dispensed, providing adequate service without excessive measurement demands.
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 hands-free, automated soap dispensing system that reduces germ transmission by varying dispensation volume based on object proximity and includes a disposable cartridge for easy replacement, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor or a reflective type sensor configured to generate a signal representing the distance between an object and the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The motor can be disposed in the housing. The motor can be configured to drive the pump
Implementation Method 3
The pump can be configured to allow air disposed therein to pass through the opening. The motor can be configured to drive the pump, which can be configured to encourage a flow of liquid from the reservoir into the inlet and out of the outlet of the fluid passage
Data Source
AI summary
A soap dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. Certain embodiments of the dispenser include a housing, reservoir, pump, motor, sensor, electronic processor, and nozzle. In certain embodiments, the sensor can be configured to generate a signal based on a distance between an object and the sensor. In certain embodiments, the electronic processor can be configured to receive the signal from the sensor and to determine a dispensation volume of the liquid. The dispensation volume can vary as a function of the distance between the object and the sensor. The processor can be configured to control the motor to dispense approximately the dispensation volume of the liquid.