Vehicle-Mounted Mirror Hand Sanitizer with Automatic Sensor Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of accessible hand sanitizing systems in various locations, including vehicles, which hinders individuals from properly sanitizing their hands upon arrival and departure from locations, and also for removing grime and dirt before entering their vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted hand sanitizing system comprising a fluid storage container with a pump and mirror dispensing units equipped with a control switch and hand sensor, allowing for automatic fluid dispensation upon detecting a user's hand, providing a convenient and hygienic solution for hand sanitization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If portable hand sanitizers are provided at building entrances, then hand sanitizing is available at certain locations, but most locations still lack hand sanitizing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates hand sanitizing functionality into existing vehicle side-view mirrors, allowing the mirror assembly to perform both its traditional reflective function and the new hand sanitizing function. This multi-functionality approach enables hand sanitizing to be available at vehicle locations without adding separate dedicated sanitizing devices, thereby improving adaptability while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic sensor detection that activates the pump when a hand is detected near the mirror, eliminating the need for manual operation. This self-service mechanism allows users to sanitize hands automatically by simply presenting their hand to the dispenser, improving accessibility and ease of use across various locations.
2Ease of operation
If manual control switches are used for fluid dispensing, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation decreases due to requiring manual activation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic sensor detection (optical or capacitive) to sense when a user's hand is positioned near the dispensing nozzle, automatically activating the pump to dispense sanitizer. This eliminates the need for manual button pressing or other deliberate activation actions, significantly improving ease of operation. The control system complexity is managed by using standard sensor and pump components that can be integrated into the mirror assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hand sanitizing systems are made portable and vehicle-mounted, then accessibility to hand sanitizing is improved, but the system requires integration into vehicle structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hand sanitizing system components (fluid reservoir, pump, dispensing nozzle, and control electronics) with the existing vehicle side-view mirror assembly. By merging these functions into a single integrated unit, the system achieves portability and vehicle-mounted accessibility without requiring separate installation of multiple components. The mirror housing serves as the structural mount, and the fluid delivery system is routed through the mirror assembly, simplifying manufacturing and installation.
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 users to quickly and easily sanitize their hands upon entering or leaving a vehicle, reducing the spread of contagions and maintaining personal hygiene by providing a portable and accessible hand sanitizing solution.
Implementation Method 1
a hand sensor can be provided along the mirror housing. The hand sensor can be in communication with the control switch and the controller and can function to activate the pump upon detecting the presence of a user's hand within a detection area
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-mounted hand sanitizing system includes a fluid storage container having a main body and connectors for securement along or within a motor vehicle. A pump is in communication with the main body and a power supply. At least one mirror dispensing unit is connected to the pump by a control and supply line. Each of the at least one mirror dispensing units includes an automobile mirror assembly having a mirror housing, attachment column, mirrored surface, and a fluid discharge nozzle. A control switch is disposed along the mirror housing and is connected to a controller located within the at least one mirror housing. A hand sensor is provided along the mirror housing and is in communication with the control switch to activate the pump upon detecting the presence of a user's hand within a detection area.