Proximity Soap Dispenser Control for Variable Dispensing Volume
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Public washroom facilities face challenges in reducing germ transmission through manual contact with fixtures, as existing automatic systems do not effectively vary soap dispensation based on user proximity and type of liquid needed.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser with a proximity sensor and electronic processor that adjusts soap dispensation volume based on distance from the sensor, using a removable cartridge with a battery for power, allowing for different liquid types and volumes to be dispensed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-volume dispensing system is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different user proximity distances and liquid types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dispensing volume adjustment based on user proximity distance detected by the sensor. The control system varies the pump operation parameters (rotation speed, duration) according to the detected distance, transforming a static fixed-volume system into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to real-time user position
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is designed to handle multiple liquid types (soap, lotion, sanitizer) with different viscosities and dispensing requirements. The control system can identify liquid type and adjust pump parameters accordingly, making a single device capable of performing multiple dispensing functions that would traditionally require separate specialized devices
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual operation is used, then the device structure is simple, but it transmits germs and bacteria from user contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated sensor-based control system. The proximity sensor detects user approach and triggers the pump automatically, eliminating the need for physical button pressing or manual activation. This substitution of mechanical user interaction with automated sensing and control eliminates the germ transmission pathway while maintaining dispensing functionality
3Quantity of substance
If excessive liquid is dispensed, then user satisfaction is improved, but liquid waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses proximity sensor feedback to continuously monitor user position and adjust dispensing volume in real-time. The control system receives distance information from the sensor and modulates the pump operation to deliver an optimal amount of liquid - sufficient for user needs but minimized to prevent waste. This closed-loop feedback control replaces open-loop fixed-volume dispensing
4Manufacturing precision
If different liquid types are dispensed with different parameters, then dispensing precision is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes in the pump operation based on detected liquid type and viscosity. The control system adjusts pump rotation speed, stroke duration, and pressure parameters to optimize dispensing for each liquid type (e.g., slower speed for viscous lotion, faster for thin sanitizer). This parameter adaptation enables precise dispensing across different liquid types using a single pump mechanism
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 reduces germ transmission by allowing hands-free operation and varying soap dispensation according to user proximity, ensuring efficient use of liquid and power, while enabling easy replacement of cartridges.
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 is disposed in the housing. The motor is configured to drive the pump
Implementation Method 3
The pump is configured to allow air disposed therein to pass through the opening. The motor is configured to drive the pump, which is configured to encourage a flow of liquid from the reservoir into the inlet and out of the outlet of the fluid passage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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(12), reservoir(16), pump(18), motor(34), sensor(36), electronic processor(46), and nozzle(28). 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.