Touchless Sheet Dispenser With Adjustable IR Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-less sheet product dispensers lack improvements in infrared detection sensitivity and reliability, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs, and do not effectively accommodate various user needs such as hygiene awareness and accessibility for individuals with disabilities or substances on their hands.
Innovation Solution
An electronic touch-less sheet product dispenser with an adjustable infrared proximity sensor for varying detection range, a motorized feed mechanism, and a movable paper level arm, which allows for hands-free operation in two modes (Hang Mode and On-Demand Mode), and is designed for recessed wall mounting to minimize space usage, using a minimal number of parts for enhanced reliability and maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed sensitivity infrared sensor is used, then detection range is stable, but cannot accommodate various user needs and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the infrared sensor sensitivity adjustable rather than fixed. The sensor system can dynamically change its detection range and sensitivity levels to adapt to different user needs and environmental conditions, transforming a static component into a flexible, adaptive system that responds to varying operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the infrared sensor's detection parameters (sensitivity, range) to be modified. This enables the system to adjust its operational characteristics to match different usage scenarios, such as varying distances or lighting conditions, without requiring complete system redesign.
2Area of stationary object
If recessed wall mounting is used, then space is conserved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by designing the dispenser to be installed within an existing wall recess or niche. The dispenser unit fits into the pre-prepared wall cavity, effectively nesting the device within the building structure itself, which maximizes space utilization while keeping the external profile minimal.
3Reliability
If minimal number of parts is used, then reliability is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the dispenser into distinct functional modules or assemblies. This modular approach allows the system to use fewer overall parts while maintaining ease of maintenance, as each module can be independently accessed, inspected, and replaced without disassembling the entire device.
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 dispenser provides improved hygiene and accessibility by ensuring reliable hands-free operation with adjustable sensitivity, reduced maintenance needs, and customizable performance settings, while conserving space and reducing power consumption through efficient mechanical and electronic design.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared proximity sensor operative to detect a presence of a user's hand at a predetermined location near the dispenser
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser for dispensing sheet product includes a housing, a proximity sensor operative to detect a presence of a user's hand at a predetermined location near the dispenser, and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing, the dispensing mechanism including an electronic controller operably coupled to a drive motor that is operably coupled to a feed roller to dispense the sheet product. The dispensing mechanism is operative in a first mode to be responsive to a signal from the proximity sensor to dispense the sheet product, and is operative in a second mode to dispense a next sheet product in response to an existing sheet product being torn from the dispenser. The controller is responsive to a switch adapted and configured to set an adjustable time delay between sheet feeds when the dispensing mechanism is operating in at least one of the first mode and the second mode.