Touchless Fluid Dispenser with Visual Feedback for Intuitive Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touchless hand cleaning devices can be difficult for users unfamiliar with their operation, leading to contamination and increased risk of infectious disease spread, especially for those accustomed to manual controls.
Innovation Solution
A touchless fluid dispensing device integrated into an enhanced bathroom mirror that provides visual cues, such as icons and animated graphics, along with a light guide to assist users in selecting and operating the device without physical contact, using sensors and a computer system to track hand movements and provide intuitive feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If touchless operation is implemented to avoid contamination, then hygiene is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for unfamiliar users
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through an electronic mirror display showing icons representing different fluid options (water, soap, sanitizer) and animated hand gesture demonstrations. This feedback loop guides users through the touchless operation process, making it intuitive and easy to understand without requiring physical contact with the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic mirror with display capabilities as an intermediary between the user and the fluid dispensing mechanism. This intermediary provides visual cues and instructions that bridge the gap between touchless operation and user understanding, allowing users to control the device without direct contact while receiving clear operational guidance.
2Ease of operation
If visual cues are added to assist operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror serves multiple functions: it acts as a traditional reflective surface for personal grooming and simultaneously functions as an electronic display device for providing operational cues. By integrating these functions into a single component, the system improves ease of operation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-explanatory visual cues through the electronic mirror that automatically guide users through operation. The display shows icons and animated gestures that intuitively communicate how to use the device, eliminating the need for additional instructional materials or complex control interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid options are provided, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid dispensing system is segmented into separate functional units, each responsible for a different fluid type (water, soap, sanitizer). The electronic mirror display similarly segments information by showing distinct icons for each fluid option. This segmentation allows multiple fluid options to be provided while maintaining clear visual guidance and manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds an informational dimension through the electronic mirror display, which provides visual cues about the available fluid options and selected functions. This additional dimension of information delivery allows the system to handle multiple fluid types without proportionally increasing the physical complexity of the dispensing mechanism itself.
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 device simplifies hand cleaning by allowing intuitive touchless operation, reducing contamination risks and improving user experience for those unfamiliar with touchless technology.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes a light guide that provides a path of light between the selected graphic and the dispenser outlet
Implementation Method 2
The light guide may, for example, comprise one or more LED lights arranged between the mirror and the dispenser outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a bathroom fixture in the form of an faucet with multiple outlets for delivering different fluid materials, which may be activated via associated touchless proximity sensors. The device provides visual cues to assist in the touchless operation thereof.