Hygiene compliance modules for dispensers, dispensers and compliance monitoring systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hygiene compliance monitoring systems for fluid dispensers face challenges due to the need for multiple dispenser models with different communication protocols, increasing manufacturing complexity and costs, and the burden of manual data recording and analysis in large facilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of compliance modules with a housing, processor, memory, wireless communication circuitry, and voltage monitoring circuitry that can be inserted into existing dispensers to detect dispense events and transmit data wirelessly, allowing for seamless integration with various compliance monitoring systems without the need for multiple dispenser models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dispenser models with different communication protocols are manufactured, then compatibility with various compliance monitoring systems is improved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: a universal dispenser unit and a separate compliance module. The compliance module contains the communication circuitry and protocol handling, while the dispenser unit remains standardized. This segmentation allows different compliance modules to be attached to the same dispenser hardware, achieving protocol compatibility without increasing dispenser manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser unit is designed with universal interfaces and mounting mechanisms that can accommodate multiple types of compliance modules. The compliance modules themselves are multi-functional, handling communication, data processing, and protocol conversion. This universality allows a single dispenser model to work with various compliance monitoring systems through module interchangeability.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual data recording and analysis is performed in large facilities, then implementation costs are reduced, but time consumption and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance module automatically performs data recording, processing, and analysis functions. It self-monitors dispenser usage, tracks compliance metrics, and generates reports without requiring manual intervention. The module autonomously manages its own operational data, eliminating the need for manual data collection and initial analysis steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated feedback loops where the compliance module continuously monitors dispenser usage, compares it against compliance standards, and provides real-time or periodic feedback on compliance status. This automated feedback mechanism replaces manual monitoring and analysis, reducing both time consumption and operational burden while maintaining implementation cost efficiency.
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
This solution simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces inventory costs, and enables efficient data collection and analysis of hygiene compliance, enhancing the monitoring of hand hygiene practices in facilities.
Implementation Method 1
voltage monitoring circuitry for detecting a change in voltage of a dispenser power supply
Implementation Method 2
wireless communication circuitry and a connector for electrically coupling the module to a power supply of the dispenser
Data Source
AI summary
Compliance modules for fluid dispensers are disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments of the compliance modules include a housing, a processor, memory, wireless communication circuitry and voltage monitoring circuitry for detecting a change in voltage of a dispenser power supply. The processor, memory and voltage monitoring circuitry are located within the housing. A connector for electrically connecting the module to a power supply of the dispenser is also included. The compliance module receives power from the dispenser. The processor determines a dispense event has occurred as a function of a change in voltage detected by the voltage monitoring circuitry. The processor causes the wireless communication circuitry to transmit a signal indicative of a dispense event.