Proximity-Based Liquid Dispenser for Hands-Free Germ Reduction
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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, such as a soap dispenser, equipped with a proximity sensor and electronic processor that adjusts 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 system using proximity sensors to detect user presence and motor-driven pumps to dispense liquid. This substitution eliminates the need for direct hand contact with fixtures while automating the dispensing function, thereby reducing germ transmission risk without requiring complex user interaction mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The automated dispenser detects user presence automatically through proximity sensors and initiates dispensing without requiring manual activation. The system serves itself by using sensor data to control motor operation, eliminating the need for users to touch buttons or levers, thus reducing contact-related germ transmission while maintaining simple user interaction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automated sensing and variable dispensing is implemented, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to sensor and processor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs proximity sensors and electronic processors to replace manual operation, creating an automated system that detects user presence and controls dispensing volume. This electronic substitution eliminates direct contact while using relatively simple sensing and control components to achieve variable dispensing based on detected parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor continuously monitors user presence and distance, providing feedback to the processor which adjusts motor operation accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of dispensing volume based on user proximity without requiring complex pre-programming, achieving adaptive control through simple sensor-processor-motor interaction
3Ease of operation
If a removable cartridge with battery is used, then ease of operation is improved through hands-free operation, but manufacturing complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dispenser into separate modules: a reusable pump housing containing the motor and control electronics, and a removable cartridge containing the liquid reservoir and battery. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be manufactured and replaced independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while enabling hands-free operation through integrated battery power in the cartridge
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the battery and liquid reservoir into a single integrated cartridge assembly that attaches to the pump housing. This merging of power source and liquid storage into one replaceable unit simplifies manufacturing by allowing the cartridge to be produced as a complete subassembly, while also enabling easy replacement when either the battery or liquid is depleted
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 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.