Sensor-Activated Foam Soap Dispenser With Dual Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam soap dispensers require manual operation and contact interaction, lacking contactless operation and efficient control over foam consistency and delivery volume.
Innovation Solution
A foam soap dispenser with a diaphragm air pump and peristaltic soap pump, both driven by separate electric motors, and a sensor-activated system for contactless operation, allowing adjustable foam consistency through motor speed control and a compact working block design for integrated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation with lever is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to contact requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever operation with an automated sensor-based control system. A sensor detects the user's approach and triggers electronic control of the pumps, eliminating the need for manual contact while managing the complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system automatically activates the pumps based on sensor detection without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting user presence and autonomously controlling the dispensing process, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through self-activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate pumps for air and soap are used, then foam consistency control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs two independently controllable pumps (air pump and soap pump) with separate motor controls, allowing dynamic adjustment of the air-to-soap ratio. This enables variable foam consistency adaptation while managing the dual-pump complexity through independent control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls foam consistency by changing operational parameters - specifically the delivery rates of air and soap through separate pump motor speed controls. By adjusting these parameters independently, the system achieves versatile foam consistency control while managing the complexity of the dual-pump configuration.
3Reliability
If diaphragm pump and peristaltic pump are used, then dispensing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different pump types optimized for specific functions: a diaphragm pump for air delivery and a peristaltic pump for soap delivery. Each pump type is selected for its local suitability to the specific fluid being pumped, improving dispensing reliability while managing overall system complexity through functional specialization.
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 contactless dispensing with adjustable foam consistency and volume, ensuring consistent dispensing regardless of soiling conditions, with efficient motor speed control maintaining delivery rates until power depletion.
Implementation Method 1
Its principle of operation is similar to that of a piston pump, but the medium to be pumped is separated from the drive by a membrane. The mechanical part of the drive is thus shielded from the harmful effects of the pumped medium by this separating membrane.
Implementation Method 2
The pump rotor carries at least two rollers that protrude on the circumference and squeeze a hose that is curved along the circumference of the rotor. The drive takes place in particular also by an electric motor.
Implementation Method 3
a foaming device near the discharge opening
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In a housing having a discharge opening (9) at the bottom, a foaming soap dispenser comprises a receptacle (20) to which a supply (23) of liquid soap can be replaceably added and beneath which a soap container (2) is provided. A hose squeeze pump (5) for the soap and a diaphragm pump (7) for feeding foaming air to a foaming device (3) close to the discharge opening (9) can be driven separately electrically.