Soap dispensing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soap dispensers lack a counter to track the current dispensing times of the soap reservoir, leading to user frustration and potential malfunction when the soap is consumed.
Innovation Solution
A soap dispensing apparatus with a controller, barcode scanner, and infrared sensor that compares a predetermined dispensing count with a current count stored on a barcode label, only activating the pump when the predetermined count exceeds the current count, and increments the current count after each use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional soap dispenser is used without a counter, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot track soap consumption leading to repeated activation attempts and potential malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by scanning the barcode and comparing the current count with the predetermined count before allowing pump activation. This prevents the pump from operating when the soap reservoir is empty, thereby avoiding malfunction while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of a barcode scanner and controller.
2Loss of information
If a counter system is added to track dispensing times, then user awareness of soap consumption is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a barcode (an information copy) to store and transmit soap consumption data instead of using complex electronic sensors or weight measurement systems. The barcode contains the predetermined count information, which is read by the scanner and processed by the controller to track dispensing times, thereby reducing device complexity while effectively preventing information loss.
3Productivity
If the pump is activated without count verification, then the dispensing operation is fast and simple, but the soap reservoir may be depleted leading to user frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by comparing the current count with the predetermined count stored in the barcode before activating the pump. This ensures that the soap reservoir still contains soap before dispensing begins, preventing user frustration from repeated failed activation attempts while maintaining efficient dispensing operation when soap is available.
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
Prevents unnecessary activation attempts and extends the lifespan of the soap dispenser by ensuring the user is aware when the soap reservoir is empty, reducing frustration and preventing malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor, and a pump in fluid communication with the soap reservoir and electrically connected to the electromagnetic switch respectively; wherein the barcode scanner is configured to scan the barcode and sends same to the controller for storage; wherein the controller is configured to compare the predetermined count of dispensing times of the soap reservoir with the current count of dispensing times of the soap reservoir prior to activating the pump
Implementation Method 2
the spout includes an electromagnetic switch, an infrared sensor, and a pump in fluid communication with the soap reservoir and electrically connected to the electromagnetic switch respectively
Implementation Method 3
a pump in fluid communication with the soap reservoir and electrically connected to the electromagnetic switch respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A soap dispenser includes a spout; a controller; a barcode scanner electrically connected to the controller; a power supply electrically connected to the controller; and a soap reservoir including a label having a barcode containing information including a set count of dispensing times of the soap reservoir and a current count of dispensing times of the soap reservoir. The spout includes an electromagnetic switch, an infrared sensor, and a pump in fluid communication with the soap reservoir and electrically connected to the electromagnetic switch respectively. The barcode scanner scans the barcode and sends same to the controller for storage. The controller compares the set count of dispensing times of the soap reservoir with the current count of dispensing times of the soap reservoir prior to activating the pump. After the pumping, the controller increases the current count of dispensing times of the soap reservoir by one.