Single-Handed Roller Dispenser for Infection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand treatment product dispensers require two-handed operation, making frequent hand sanitizing inconvenient and time-consuming for medical staff, which can lead to the spread of infections like MRSA.

Innovation Solution

A single-handed dispenser with a roller applicator and a storage reservoir in fluid communication, allowing hand treatment products to be applied by moving a hand across the applicator, and optionally attachable to a support surface for communal use or personal carry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a plunger type dispenser is used, then the hand treatment product can be dispensed, but two-handed operation is required which makes frequent use inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser allows the hand to perform the application action itself by moving across the applicator, eliminating the need for a separate operating hand. The hand both receives the product and performs the dispensing action through its movement across the roller applicator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the user to manually operate a plunger mechanism, the invention inverts the approach by using the hand's natural movement across the applicator to drive the dispensing mechanism. The hand's motion directly causes the roller to rotate and dispense product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If a plunger type dispenser is used, then the hand treatment product can be dispensed, but the operation is relatively time consuming which discourages staff from cleansing hands as often as they should

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand sanitizing frequencyVSAvoidtime for hand sanitizing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser enables rapid single-handed operation where the hand movement itself drives the dispensing action, allowing staff to perform hand sanitizing quickly without needing to stop their current task or use their other hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser allows hand sanitizing to be performed continuously or in rapid succession without interruption to other work activities. The single-handed operation enables staff to sanitize hands multiple times during a working day without significant time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If a plunger type dispenser is used, then the hand treatment product can be dispensed, but one hand must be used to hold the reservoir while the other operates the plunger which is not convenient for staff already using one of their hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of operationVSAvoidadaptability to single-handed use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is designed so that the hand performing the sanitizing action also performs the dispensing action. The hand moves across the applicator to both receive and dispense the product, eliminating the need for a separate hand to operate the reservoir.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention inverts the conventional plunger operation by using the hand's movement across the applicator to drive the roller and dispense product, rather than requiring a separate operating hand to manipulate a plunger mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables quick, single-handed application of hand treatment products, promoting frequent hand sanitizing and reducing the risk of infection transmission in medical and other environments.

Implementation Method 1

the applicator comprises at least one roller to apply the hand treatment product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRoller application: Roller

Implementation Method 2

the hand treatment product may be applied indirectly to the applicator, e.g. the hand treatment product may be applied to the applicator via a porous medium such as a sponge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS8714853B2Dispenser

Publication Date: 2014.05.06 CLARITY DIAGNOSTICS GROUP LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dispenser for a hand treatment product. The dispenser (1) comprises an applicator (3), a hand treatment product storage reservoir (5) in fluid communication with the applicator (3), and a restraining means (7) for restraining the dispenser to a support surface, wherein, in use, when a hand is moved across the applicator (3), hand treatment product is applied to the hand.