Mobile Hand Sanitization System with Fluid Control Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

In various environments such as healthcare, homecare, and restaurants, hand sanitation compliance is often poor due to lack of convenience and visibility, leading to the spread of germs despite the importance of hand hygiene.

Innovation Solution

A mobile and portable hand sanitization system that includes a pouch or outer shell with a reservoir for sanitizing fluid, valves for fluid containment, and coating enhancers like small balls or brushes to provide thorough sanitizing and friction, allowing users to sanitize hands at any location without water infrastructure and providing visual assurance of sanitation status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional hand washing stations are installed in healthcare settings, then hand sanitation capability is provided, but convenience and accessibility are reduced due to fixed locations and infrastructure requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of hand sanitizationVSAvoidavailability at various locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hand sanitization system is divided into separate functional modules: a portable sanitizer unit that can be moved independently from fixed infrastructure, allowing the sanitization function to be segmented from the location requirement. This enables the system to operate in various locations without permanent installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed hand washing station to a dynamic, mobile sanitizer that can be repositioned as needed. The portable design allows the sanitization capability to move with the user or be placed at different locations dynamically, improving both convenience and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If hand washing procedures are emphasized through posters and reminders, then sanitation awareness is improved, but compliance remains insufficient due to lack of visual verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand washing complianceVSAvoidvisibility of sanitation status

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates visual indicators that change color or appearance to show the sanitation status. When hands are properly sanitized, the system provides visual feedback (such as color change) to confirm completion, making the sanitation status visible and verifiable to both the user and others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate visual feedback to the user after hand sanitization to confirm that the procedure was completed correctly. This feedback mechanism (visual indicators, lights, or displays) ensures that the sanitation status is communicated clearly, improving compliance by providing tangible verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If healthcare workers prioritize patient care tasks, then productivity is improved, but hand sanitation compliance deteriorates due to time constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask completion rateVSAvoidhand sanitation compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The portable sanitizer is made readily available at the point of need, allowing workers to perform hand sanitization immediately before or after patient interactions without having to travel to fixed locations. This preliminary preparation of the sanitization resource eliminates delays and ensures sanitation is done quickly at the moment it is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables workers to independently perform hand sanitization without requiring assistance from others or dependency on fixed infrastructure. The portable unit can be used autonomously by the worker themselves, saving time that would otherwise be spent locating and using traditional washing stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables convenient, quick, and effective hand sanitization at any location, improving compliance and visibility of sanitation status, thereby reducing the spread of germs.

Implementation Method 1

The end cuff can be adapted to wipe excess sanitizing fluid from the hands of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

absorbent material that can wipe and absorb excess fluid from the hands of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

The end cuffs can include brushes adapted to remove fluid from the hands of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20230398254A1Methods and devices for mobile hand cleaning and sanitation

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 ASACKER THOMAS ERIC

AI summary

A mobile system and method for sterilizing hands includes a reservoir filled with sterilizing fluid. The reservoir is inside of an outer shell that is adapted for a user to insert hands into the reservoir to sterilize the hands. A pair of valves can help to wipe excess fluid from the hands and retain the fluid within the reservoir. A pair of end cuffs can help to remove excess fluid from the hands of the user. The mobile system for sterilizing hands can be worn by the user, so that the user can insert hands, sterilize the hands, and remove the hands from the sterilizer without needing to travel to a sink or other infrastructure.