REVERSE ENGINEERING OF A SOAP DISPENSER
ME 14500: Computer-Aided Drafting
Spring 2020
Objective
The purpose of this project was to reverse engineer a soap dispenser and add improvements to the design.
Technical Description
To render a model of a soap dispenser measurements of a soap dispenser currently on the market. The measurements were taken using precision measuring tools such as vernier caliper, micrometer, telescoping gauge, scale, radius caliper, and depth gauge. Using the measurements SolidWorks was utilized to model the device.
Design Improvements

Soap dispenser currently available on the market
In order to improve the efficiency of the dispenser several design changes were implemented. One of the design change is the pumping mechanism in order to reduce friction and reduce wear on the tubing. In the newer design instead of having the gears squeez the tubes to pump the fluid, the gears will be used to pump fluid directly into a tube going into the valve. Another design change is implementing a battery compartment which is more water resistant. Since in the previous design some water used to leak into the compartment. A new valve mechanism is implemented to prevent fluid leakage after dispensing. Lastly, the motion sensor was changed to infrared light sensor for better sensitivity and controlled flow.

Eliminates wear since fluid flow driven entirely with gears

Design produces wear on tube

Eliminates wear since fluid flow driven entirely with gears
Pumping mechanism

Silicone valve that snaps shut once fluid stops dispensing

Messy Drips from Valve Opening

Silicone valve that snaps shut once fluid stops dispensing
Valve mechanism

Clip-on clasp battery compartment cover

Twist-on Cap to Battery Compartment

Clip-on clasp battery compartment cover
Battery compartment

Infrared light sensor

Motion sensor

Infrared light sensor
Sensor for the dispenser

Results / Outcome
The project was successful in reverse engineering a soap dispenser currently available on the market. The design improvements to be implemented will help improve the overall design. Overall cost increases slightly due to upgrades implemented in the design.





