Electronic Soap Dispenser With Capacitive Touch-Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic soap dispensers lack efficient and user-friendly designs for operation and maintenance, particularly in distinguishing between proximity and touch inputs for hands-free and touch-activated soap dispensing, and do not facilitate easy refilling or replacement of components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic soap dispenser with a capacitive sensor and controller system that differentiates between proximity and touch inputs to control soap dispensing, and a modular design allowing for easy removal and refilling of the dispensing head and reservoir, with a quick disconnect electrical connector for convenient maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a capacitive sensor is used to detect user presence and touch, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the ability to distinguish between proximity and touch inputs becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the capacitive sensor output signal and uses feedback mechanisms to distinguish between proximity and touch inputs. The system adjusts its response based on the detected signal characteristics, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining accurate input differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system differentiates between proximity and touch inputs by detecting changes in capacitive signal parameters such as magnitude, rate of change, and threshold levels. By analyzing these parameter variations, the controller can distinguish between a user approaching the dispenser and a user actually touching it, enabling appropriate hands-free operation responses.
2Ease of repair
If the dispensing head and reservoir are made modular for easy maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but the reliability of fluid connections may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The soap dispenser is divided into modular segments including the dispensing head, reservoir, pump assembly, and mounting structure. Each component can be independently removed and replaced, significantly improving ease of repair and maintenance while maintaining reliable fluid connections through proper coupling designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Quick disconnect couplings serve as intermediary elements between modular components. These specialized connectors maintain reliable fluid-tight connections while enabling easy assembly and disassembly, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of repair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical connector maintains communication during rotation, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to maintain electrical communication during rotational movement of the dispensing head. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to different rotational positions while managing complexity through purposeful motion-enabled connectivity.
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 hands-free and touch-activated soap dispensing with adjustable dispensing duration, and simplifies maintenance by allowing easy access and replacement of components without disrupting electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive sensor is operably coupled to the dispensing head. A controller is in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor. The controller is configured to receive an output signal from the capacitive sensor and to distinguish between a proximity output signal from the capacitive sensor when a user is positioned in a detection area near the dispensing head, and a touch output signal from the capacitive sensor when a user touches the dispensing head.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic soap dispenser includes an upper dispensing head supported above a sink deck, and a liquid soap reservoir and a pump assembly supported below the sink deck. A capacitive sensor is operably coupled to the dispensing head. A controller is in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor and activates the pump assembly in response to input from the capacitive sensor.