Design and implementation of an automated hand sanitizer dispenser using ultrasonic sensor

Abstract

For generations, hand washing and sanitizing with water and disinfectants has been considered a measure of personal hygiene. With the level of increase in the use of hand sanitizer, the need arises to automate the dispenser processes in order to monitor the level of the sanitizing fluid and minimize wastage. Therefore, this work focuses on design and implementation of an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser. The system was built using a microcontroller (Arduino nano) interfaced with two different sensors (HC-SR04) ultrasonic sensor and an infrared (IR) sensor. The ultrasonic sensor detects the presence of a hand within the distance of 10cm from the ultrasonic sensor. When the presence of a hand is sensed, a signal is sent to the Arduino nano which serves as the major memory of the system to activate the DC pump for the discharge of the gel. The IR-sensor monitors the level of sanitizer in the container and sends an active signal to the Arduino nano to activate the SIM800l module to send a message to the owner when the sanitizer level is at the minimum predefined level of 3cm. The ultrasonic sensor senses the presence of a hand within a 10cm range in 1 second. Having successfully established a communication link between an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser and its indoor owner through a SIM module, this work has brought an innovation to hand sanitizing process with ease of management and seamless operation.