Wearable decontamination system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand sanitizer dispensers often fail to provide immediate and safe access for self-decontamination without cross-contamination, especially in situations where one hand is contaminated, and they may require both hands to operate, leading to delays and increased risk of spreading diseases.
Innovation Solution
A finger-mounted, finger-operated hand sanitizer dispensing pump that allows for immediate self-decontamination by mounting the pump on the index finger, enabling operation with a single hand and minimizing cross-contamination risks, using a bulb pump with check valves and a collapsible fluid reservoir to ensure continuous availability and efficient dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a hand sanitizer dispenser is mounted on the body (e.g., wrist or finger), then immediate availability and ease of operation are improved, but the risk of cross-contamination during retrieval and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dispensing function into two separate components: a reservoir mounted on the body (wrist or finger) and a dispensing pump mounted on a finger ring. This segmentation allows the contaminated hand to operate the pump without touching the reservoir, eliminating cross-contamination risk while maintaining immediate availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger ring with the dispensing pump acts as an intermediary between the user's finger and the sanitizer reservoir. The pump mechanism allows the user to dispense sanitizer by pressing the pump head against their palm without direct contact with the reservoir, serving as a protective barrier that prevents cross-contamination.
2Ease of operation
If a motion-activated dispenser is used, then automatic dispensing without hand contact is improved, but device complexity and battery requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own body (finger pressure) to activate the dispensing mechanism. The pump is designed to be manually actuated by pressing the pump head against the palm, eliminating the need for batteries, motors, or motion sensors while maintaining ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If both hands are required to operate the dispenser, then adequate control and dispensing accuracy are improved, but productivity and response time deteriorate due to inability to perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the reservoir (mounted on the body) from the dispensing pump (mounted on the finger ring), enabling one-handed operation. The contaminated hand can operate the pump while the clean hand remains free to perform other tasks, maintaining both dispensing control and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism is designed to be mounted on a finger ring, creating a portable dispensing unit that travels with the user. This allows the dispensing function to be replicated at the point of need without requiring the user to retrieve a separate dispenser.
4Reliability
If a wall-mounted dispenser is used in hospitals, then centralized sanitation control is improved, but immediate availability and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dispenser into a stationary reservoir component and a portable pump component. The reservoir can remain mounted on the body or in a fixed location for centralized control, while the pump on the finger ring provides portability and immediate access in various locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger ring pump can be used in multiple settings (hospitals, public places, travel) and can be mounted on either hand. The system adapts to different environments while maintaining the core function of immediate, contamination-free sanitizer dispensing.
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 solution provides immediate and safe self-decontamination without cross-contamination, allowing one hand to sanitize independently while the other hand remains free to perform tasks, reducing the risk of disease spread and minimizing the need for frequent glove changes.
Implementation Method 1
A bulb pump with check valves is in communication with the interior cavity of the fluid reservoir and is in communication with the discharge orifice
Implementation Method 2
A bulb pump with check valves is in communication with the interior cavity of the fluid reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A same-hand, finger-mounted, and finger-operated hand sanitizer dispensing system with finger-mounted or with remote-mounted fluid reservoir, is disclosed herein. The system is operable without risk of cross-contamination, and is operable by the contaminated hand for self-decontamination. A dispensing pump is mounted on one finger and operated by another finger on the same hand. The dispensing pump draws sanitizer from a reservoir by way of a supply tubing. The reservoir can be mounted on the same finger as the pump or on another finger of the same hand.