Point-of-care hygiene compliance module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hygiene compliance monitoring systems require costly, permanently-installed dispensers and specialized training, limiting their widespread use and compliance with hand-washing standards, especially in portable or disposable dispensing containers.
Innovation Solution
A removable point-of-care hygiene compliance module with a housing, pivotable actuation arm, switch, controller, memory unit, and display that attaches to dispensing containers, tracking the number of actuations and allowing remote data transfer, enabling low-cost, user-friendly monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanently-installed hygiene compliance monitoring dispensers are used, then hygiene compliance monitoring capability is provided, but cost and device complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance module is self-contained with integrated power, memory, and processing capabilities, requiring no external power sources or complex installation infrastructure. The module autonomously tracks dispensing events and stores compliance data locally
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is divided into separate removable modules that can be independently attached to different dispensing containers. Each module is a self-contained unit with its own housing, actuation arm, switch, controller, memory unit, and display
2Reliability
If permanently-installed dispensers with monitoring functionality are used, then hygiene compliance is tracked, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance module is designed as a low-cost, disposable or refillable unit that can be manufactured economically and attached to standard dispensing containers. The module includes basic components (housing, actuation arm, simple switch, controller, memory unit, display) that can be produced at low cost
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance module uses a simple mechanical actuation arm and switch mechanism that replicates the dispensing action rather than requiring complex sensors or electronics. This mechanical copying approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable tracking
3Reliability
If specialized training is required to administrate monitoring systems, then system control is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The module is designed for intuitive, tool-free attachment to dispensing containers and automatic operation. The actuation arm automatically engages with the dispensing nozzle, and the system autonomously tracks and records compliance events without requiring user configuration or intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The module uses standard, universally-understood components and interfaces (simple mechanical attachment, basic display) that require no specialized training to operate. The system behaves predictably and consistently across different usage scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A point-of-care hygiene compliance module includes a housing that is adapted to be attached to a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated. The housing includes a pivoting actuation arm that is configured so as to be placed in operative contact with the dispensing nozzle. Thus, when the actuation arm is actuated, material is dispensed from the dispensing container, and a switch in operative contact with the actuation arm is actuated. The triggering of the switch updates a count value that is maintained by a controller, which may then be displayed or acquired by a remote computer to assess the amount of usage of the dispensing container.