Vehicle Hand Sanitizer Dispenser With Temperature-Compensated Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand sanitizer dispenser devices are not designed for use in vehicles, leading to instability, difficulty in use, exposure to extreme temperatures, and driver distraction, and fail to provide consistent dispensing in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hand sanitizer dispenser device with a reservoir, pump, valve, and motion sensor, equipped with a power source, temperature sensor, and heater, designed to fit stably in vehicle cup holders or mount on seats, using voltage and temperature sensors to maintain consistent dispensing regardless of voltage fluctuations or temperature changes, and featuring a touchless operation to minimize distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand sanitizer dispenser is placed in a vehicle cup holder or mounted on a seat, then the device achieves stable positioning and convenient accessibility, but it becomes exposed to extreme temperature variations and voltage fluctuations that affect dispensing consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature and voltage sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and feed this information to the controller. The controller adjusts pump operation in real-time based on sensor feedback to maintain consistent dispensing despite temperature variations and voltage fluctuations, resolving the contradiction between accessibility in vehicle environments and reliable operation under varying conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (pump speed, heating element power) based on detected temperature and voltage conditions. When temperature drops or voltage fluctuates, the controller modifies these parameters to compensate, ensuring dispensing consistency is maintained across different environmental conditions while the device remains accessible in vehicle locations
2Ease of operation
If a motion-activated touchless pump is used, then driver distraction is minimized and hygiene is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor serves multiple functions: it detects user presence for touchless activation, monitors the environment for safety, and can trigger dispensing without physical contact. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing both driver safety through reduced distraction and improved hygiene through contactless operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when a user needs hand sanitizer through motion sensing and activates the pump without requiring driver interaction. This self-service capability maintains driver safety by eliminating the need for drivers to reach for or operate the device manually, while the automated nature manages the complexity through intelligent control algorithms
3Reliability
If heating elements and temperature sensors are added to maintain consistent dispensing in cold temperatures, then dispensing reliability improves, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element proactively warms the hand sanitizer reservoir before dispensing is needed, preventing the sanitizer from becoming too viscous in cold temperatures. This preliminary heating action ensures reliable dispensing when the user actually needs the product, while the controller manages energy consumption by activating heating only when temperature sensors detect cold conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts the heating power and duration based on detected temperature conditions and battery voltage levels. When temperatures are cold, the heater activates to maintain sanitizer流动性; when voltage is low or temperatures are adequate, heating is reduced or stopped, optimizing the balance between dispensing reliability and energy consumption
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 provides a stable, convenient, and consistent dispensing of hand sanitizer in vehicles, reducing driver distraction and ensuring proper operation across a range of temperatures, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor for detecting a user's hand thereby activating the electrically-powered pump
Implementation Method 2
temperature sensor and heater. As explained more fully herein, the voltage sensor, temperature sensor and heater help to provide that a relatively consistent amount of hand sanitizer is dispensed regardless of reductions in voltage supplied from a battery power source or changes in the environment, including the temperature in which the device is operating
Implementation Method 3
voltage sensor, temperature sensor and heater help to provide that a relatively consistent amount of hand sanitizer is dispensed regardless of reductions in voltage supplied from a battery power source or changes in the environment, including the temperature in which the device is operating
Implementation Method 4
a pump, a valve, and one or more tubes or hoses for the hand sanitizer to flow from the reservoir to the pump and from the pump to the valve
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for dispensing hand sanitizer and particularly for dispensing hand sanitizer in a car, truck or other vehicle. The apparatus is configured to be located and used in a vehicle's cup holder or mounted against a substantially vertical surface such as the rear or side of a vehicle seat or headrest. The apparatus includes one or more sensors to help provide consistent dose sizes and to prevent unwanted or improper usage under various operating conditions.