Function

Purify functions as a medical sanitization station, it is intended to decrease the high prevalence of hospital related infections and the estimated 90,000 annual deaths associated. Purify encourages frequent hand washing in its mission to stamp out the spread of pathogens. The design incorporates existing Dyson Air blade digital motor technology in its delivery system. Purify has three distinct steps; soap, water and drying. As the user places their hands within the sanitization area the automated system is engaged. The Dyson motor activates, forcing air through the delivery chamber, in tandem hospital grade soap is introduced into the air stream and atomized. At such high speeds the particles break up dirt and sterilize pathogens penetrating deep into pore surfaces and crevices on the hand. This is followed by an atomized water cycle and a final drying cycle clearing the vents of all fluids. The unit contains a suction assisted drain to eliminate all liquids.

Inspiration

The concept started with a trip to the men's room on campus. I witnessed how many unnecessary steps were involved in washing ones hands. This sparked the idea of an all in one sink/soap/dryer. Pushing my concept further I saw a real need for such a product in hospital environments where doctors and nurses wash their hands hundreds of times a day. After researching, it became quite evident that there is demand for hospital sink redesign given the impact nosociomal infections (hospital related infections) have annually. After interviewing several hospital staff and hearing their insights I became very committed to the concept. Although my design may not be a final solution I feel strongly that I have planted a seed in fertile soil and that a hands free all-in-one sink could substantially cut down on the atrocious loss due to improper hospital hygiene.

Development

I began my design process with a phase of research. I performed online research as well as ethnocentric observations and one on one interviews with doctors and nurses. Next I started rough conceptual sketches outlining my findings for future reflection. Feeling that I understood the underlying requirements I committed myself to form development. Many sketches later I entered into exploring my 2-D forms 3-dimensionally in foam. I then took several of my favorite forms and modeled them in Solidworks to work out dimensions and create an outline of how it could be manufactured. After settling on my final form I began the presentation phase.