Solar-Powered Hand Cleaning Dispenser with Remote Light Source Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated hand cleaning fluid dispensers in hospitals often become inoperative due to untimely battery changes and incur substantial costs, as well as uneven battery replacement frequencies based on usage.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered dispenser system with a rechargeable battery powered by a remote electrically powered light source, where the light source is controlled wirelessly to optimize energy generation and usage, ensuring consistent operation without the need for frequent battery replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery-operated dispensers are used in locations without hardwired electrical supply, then the dispensers can be placed in convenient locations such as hospital lobbies and passages, but the dispensers frequently become inoperative due to untimely battery replacement and incur substantial maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using a solar panel to continuously recharge the battery before it is depleted. The solar panel converts ambient light into electrical energy to maintain the battery charge level, preventing the dispenser from becoming inoperative due to battery exhaustion. This proactive energy replenishment eliminates the need for timely battery replacement while ensuring continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system performs self-service through the solar panel that automatically converts light energy into electrical energy to recharge the battery. The system is self-sufficient in generating its own power, eliminating dependence on external battery replacement services or hardwired electrical supply, thereby maintaining both placement convenience and operational reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery-operated dispensers are used, then the dispensers can operate without hardwired electrical supply, but some dispensers require frequent battery replacement while others require less frequent replacement based on usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel performs preliminary action by continuously converting ambient light into electrical energy to recharge the battery before depletion occurs. This proactive power generation ensures that all dispensers, regardless of usage frequency, maintain adequate battery charge levels, eliminating the need for differential battery replacement schedules and reducing overall maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy parameter by transitioning from passive battery consumption to active solar-powered recharging. This parameter change transforms the battery usage pattern from depleting to continuously replenishing, thereby eliminating the variability in battery replacement frequency across different dispensers and enabling consistent long-term operation.
3Reliability
If a solar panel is integrated directly into the dispenser, then the dispenser can be self-powered, but the solar panel requires direct exposure to light which may be blocked by the dispenser structure or mounting location
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by separating the solar panel from the dispenser unit. The solar panel is mounted remotely on surfaces such as windows, walls, or ceilings where it receives optimal light exposure, while the dispenser remains at its convenient location. This spatial segmentation allows the solar panel to generate power reliably without being constrained by the dispenser's structure or mounting position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a remote solar panel that mediates between the light source and the dispenser's power needs. The solar panel is positioned independently to capture maximum light, and the generated electrical energy is transmitted to recharge the battery that powers the dispenser. This intermediary configuration decouples the light exposure requirement from the dispenser's physical location and structure.
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
The system provides a cost-effective and reliable solution by using solar energy to power hand cleaning fluid dispensers, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring consistent operation through wireless control of the light source to manage energy generation based on dispenser usage.
Implementation Method 1
a solar element commonly mounted with the dispenser supported by the building providing a light source wired to receive power from the building electrical power such that light emitted from the light source is received by the solar element, generating electrical power with the solar element from the light emitted by the light source received by the solar element
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dispensing hand cleaning fluid material including a dispenser with a rechargeable battery powered by a solar generator, a remote electrically powered light source spaced from the dispenser directing light onto the solar panel of the dispenser and a control mechanism controlling the operation of the light source in relation to the status and operation of the dispenser.