Soap dispenser conversion kit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered automatic soap dispensers require frequent battery replacement and are prone to leakage in moist environments, increasing maintenance costs and reducing reliability.
Innovation Solution
A kit that converts battery-powered soap dispensers to solar-powered operation using a rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery pack with tuned amorphous silicon solar panels or dye-sensitized solar cells, eliminating the need for battery replacement and protecting against moisture with a water-resistant barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If battery-powered operation is used, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to frequent battery replacement and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from disposable batteries to rechargeable solar-powered batteries. The solar panels convert light energy to electrical energy, charging the battery continuously, thereby eliminating the need for periodic battery replacement and leakage issues while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar-powered battery system is self-charging through photovoltaic conversion of ambient light. The battery automatically recharges during use without external intervention, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement and ensuring continuous reliable operation.
2Reliability
If solar panels are added to convert to solar-powered operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar panels, battery pack, and control circuitry into an integrated replacement front section that directly substitutes the original battery compartment. This combination eliminates the need for separate solar panel installation and wiring, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement front section serves multiple functions: it houses the solar panels for energy generation, contains the rechargeable battery for power storage, and provides the structural front cover. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If sealed battery compartments are used to protect from moisture, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery replacement function from the sealed compartment concept. The replacement front section is designed with user-friendly release mechanisms that allow easy removal and installation, maintaining ease of operation while the integrated design inherently protects against moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The front section incorporates dynamic release features that allow easy access for battery replacement when needed, while maintaining a sealed protective structure during normal operation. The system transitions between sealed and accessible states as required.
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 solar-powered conversion extends the operational life of the soap dispenser to 10 years without battery maintenance, reducing the risk of leakage and maintenance costs, while maintaining the same size and functionality as the original dispenser.
Implementation Method 1
The kit includes a rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-Mh) low self-discharge (LSD) battery... at least one tuned amorphous silicon solar panel and/or at least one dye sensitised solar cell... cable connection means electrically connecting the tuned amorphous silicon solar panel and/or the dye sensitised solar cell to the Ni-Mh LSD battery
Implementation Method 2
at least one tuned amorphous silicon solar panel and/or at least one dye sensitised solar cell disposed on an outer surface of the replacement front section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A battery powered soap dispenser 10 which includes a back section 12 and a removable front section 14 may be upgraded to a solar powered soap dispenser using the disclosed kit. The kit includes a replacement front section 50, including solar panels 54, 56, and a battery pack 58 comprised of low-self-discharge (LSD) Nickel Metal-hydride (NiMh) cells.