Portable Sanitizer Dispenser with Compliance Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand sanitizer dispensers are inconvenient for frequent use, as they are typically fixed and require users to return to a location, and portable dispensers lack the ability to collect and transmit hygiene compliance data.

Innovation Solution

A portable dispenser system that includes a refill container with a compliance module, which allows for the dispensing of liquid sanitizer and collects hygiene compliance data, transmitting it to a remote monitoring station via a tether and communication module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed dispensers are installed throughout a facility, then sanitizer accessibility is improved, but installation and maintenance cost increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitizer accessibilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the sanitizer dispensing function into portable individual units that can be distributed throughout a facility, eliminating the need for expensive fixed installations in every location. Each portable dispenser is a self-contained module that can be easily moved and repositioned as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a central monitoring station that acts as an intermediary, managing multiple portable dispensers remotely. This central system coordinates sanitizer distribution, tracks compliance data, and manages refilling operations, reducing the need for physical fixed dispensers throughout the facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If portable dispensers are used, then mobility and convenience are improved, but the ability to collect and transmit compliance data is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility and convenienceVSAvoidcompliance data collection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The portable dispenser is designed as a multi-functional device that combines both dispensing and data collection capabilities in a single unit. The compliance module integrated into each portable dispenser enables it to track usage patterns, monitor hand hygiene compliance, and transmit this data remotely, eliminating the trade-off between portability and monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If full-size fixed dispensers are installed for complete coverage, then sanitizer availability is improved, but refilling frequency and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitizer availabilityVSAvoidrefilling frequency and labor requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors and monitoring capabilities that track sanitizer levels in real-time. When a portable dispenser's sanitizer supply is low, the system automatically generates refilling alerts and coordinates delivery, eliminating the need for frequent manual inspections and refilling of multiple fixed dispensers throughout the facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11373509B2Portable compliance dispenser

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 GOJO IND INC

AI summary

A portable compliance dispenser provides a compliance module that is removably attached to a replaceable refill container, which carries any suitable liquid material, such as sanitizer. The compliance module is configured to be worn or carried by an individual and communicates hygiene compliance data to a remote monitoring station when material from the refill container is dispensed.