Faucet for handwashing feedback with integrated dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current handwashing methods lack effective feedback and guidance, leading to incomplete sanitization, as users are unaware of the effectiveness of cleansing agent application and rinsing, especially with alcohol-based sanitizers being less effective and potentially damaging to skin.

Innovation Solution

An automated or semi-automated handwashing system that provides visual and auditory feedback using a lighted faucet assembly with a built-in sensor, cleansing agent dispenser, and screen display to guide users through the washing process, ensuring thorough hand coverage and rinsing with programmable timed intervals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If alcohol-based hand sanitizers are used for ease of use and perceived effectiveness, then pathogen destruction on contact is improved, but confidence in complete sanitization of all hand surfaces deteriorates and skin damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidcomplete sanitization coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates optical sensors and visual feedback mechanisms that detect the presence of hand sanitizer on hand surfaces and provide real-time feedback to the user through lights or displays, confirming complete coverage and proper application time, thereby resolving the lack of confidence in complete sanitization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color-changing indicators or visual markers that change state when proper sanitization is achieved, providing intuitive visual confirmation to the user that all hand surfaces have been adequately treated with the sanitizer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If alcohol-based hand sanitizers are used frequently for convenience, then pathogen destruction is improved, but skin drying and damage worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidskin damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors and tracks sanitizer application, providing feedback and guidance without requiring user judgment or effort, enabling proper usage that prevents skin damage while maintaining convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual monitoring and judgment of proper sanitizer application with automated optical sensing and electronic feedback systems, eliminating the need for users to estimate or judge adequate coverage, thereby preventing over-use and skin damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple cleansing agent and water techniques are used, then basic cleaning is achieved, but feedback on washing effectiveness is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesimplicityVSAvoidwashing effectiveness feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors and visual feedback systems that detect the presence of cleansing agent on hand surfaces and provide real-time information to users about washing coverage and effectiveness, restoring the lost feedback while maintaining the simplicity of basic washing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If handwashing duration is extended to 20-30 seconds for proper sanitization, then cleansing effectiveness is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidhandwashing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses automated optical sensors and electronic timing systems to monitor and verify proper washing duration and coverage, replacing the need for users to manually time or judge adequate washing, thereby ensuring effectiveness without excessive time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures effective hand sanitization by providing real-time feedback on hand coverage and rinsing, enhancing user engagement and adherence to proper handwashing techniques, while being quick and convenient.

Implementation Method 1

the sanitizing solution is only visible in the presence of a visualization activating mechanism... One embodiment of the visualization activating mechanism is visible light, UV light, or infra red light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light activation: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS12062273B2Faucet for handwashing feedback with integrated dispenser

Publication Date: 2024.08.13 ABLUO INC

AI summary

A “smart-faucet” is provided that provides instructions and feedback to a user that improves the efficacy of a handwashing event. The faucet includes a supply of sanitizer that includes a visualization component, such as a fluorescent component, that assists the user in determining sanitizing coverage of the hands. The visualization component may require the presence of an energy source radiating a specific frequency, such as UV, in order to become visible. The faucet may further be able to communicate information to a remote location regarding supply data necessary to insure just in time delivery of a replacement supply of sanitizer.