Retrofit Hygiene Compliance Module Using Dispenser Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hygiene compliance monitoring systems require complete replacement of dispensers to add monitoring functionality, which is costly and unfeasible for institutions with existing dispensers, and there is a need for a user-friendly, retrofit solution that can be powered by the dispenser and enabled/disabled based on authentication.
Innovation Solution
A hygiene compliance module that includes a card with a module controller, transmitter, and receiver, which detects actuation signals from a dispenser and wirelessly associates identification codes with dispensing event data for transmission to a monitoring station, allowing for retrofitting of existing dispensers with hygiene compliance monitoring functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete replacement of existing dispensers is implemented to add hygiene compliance monitoring functionality, then monitoring capability is improved, but cost and feasibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hygiene compliance monitoring system is segmented into a separate retrofit module that can be independently installed on existing dispensers. This module includes a controller, communication interface, and authentication components that interface with the dispenser's existing actuation signal, allowing monitoring functionality to be added without replacing the entire dispenser system.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrofit module is designed to interface with multiple types of existing dispensers through a universal communication protocol that utilizes the dispenser's actuation signal. This allows a single module design to provide hygiene compliance monitoring across different dispenser models and manufacturers, enhancing versatility while reducing costs.
2Reliability
If retrofit module is added to existing dispensers to provide hygiene compliance monitoring, then monitoring functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit module merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the controller processes actuation signals, the communication interface transmits data, and the authentication mechanism verifies compliance. By combining these functions in one module rather than distributing them across separate components, the system adds monitoring capability while minimizing the increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrofit module acts as an intermediary between the existing dispenser system and the hygiene compliance monitoring infrastructure. It receives actuation signals from the dispenser, processes the information locally, and transmits compliant data to external monitoring systems, thereby simplifying the integration process and reducing the complexity burden on both the dispenser and monitoring system.
3Ease of manufacture
If retrofit module utilizes dispenser's power source and actuation signals, then cost is reduced, but reliability of power supply and signal accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller in the retrofit module incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the quality and stability of the actuation signals received from the dispenser. When signal degradation or power fluctuations are detected, the system can adjust its processing thresholds or request re-transmission of critical data, thereby maintaining reliability while utilizing the existing dispenser power and signal infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A hygiene compliance module is configured to be retrofit with a compatible dispenser to enable hygiene compliance monitoring functions. The hygiene compliance module is configured to be coupled to the dispenser via a communication interface to receive power, ground, and dispenser actuation signals therefrom. In addition, the hygiene compliance module is enabled to communicate with a wireless data tag that is worn by a user of the dispenser and with a remote hygiene compliance monitoring station.