Multi-Station Automated Hand Washing System MSAHWS

Abstract

The paper presents a design and development of a multi-station automated hand-washing system (MSAHWS) that could be integrated into overall solution strategies for combating the threat of SARS-Cov-2 infections and minimizing the health and economic devastation the virus spread can inflict. The researchers seek to create a system that uses a single micro-controller and caters to several users, each of them being served independently of each other. The MSAHWS development follows a four-part methodology: formulation of the sanitary, operational, manufacturing and economic requirements; design, modeling, and simulation of the micro-controller-based control system; MSAHWS hardware prototype development; and system test and data collection. The MSAHWS design and development focuses on a double-station system that uses a single Arduino Uno, an ultrasonic sensor for each station, 4 FET’s, 4 liquid pumps, a water tank, a soap reservoir, a power supply and a frame to house the system. The non-contact system eliminates possible viral transmission from one person to another via the hand washing machine yet ensures the required cleanliness of the hands. The system is first simulated in PROTEUS to test its functionality and responses based on the demanded or required criteria. A prototype is then built to test and verify the system’s actual operation and responses and thence to make the necessary adjustment of parameters to realize an acceptable performance level. Tests show that all the requirements are met. Photos of the built and tested prototype, a diagram of the initial system design concept, a screen capture of the control system software model, a schematic diagram of the control system, a sketch with dimensions of the hand washing machine frame or housing, and the flowchart on which the Arduino script is developed. The operation and user-interaction of the actual system is also described. The control system program is written such that the resulting hand washing activity complies with the WHO standard on hand washing duration and makes entirely possible a complete and hygienic hand washing activity with soap and water. The system is envisioned for strategic deployment in public and private areas like public markets, banks, hospitals, schools, offices, residences, and many others The paper has shown that it is possible to control multiple hand washing stations, each acting independently of each other, using a single micro-controller and a proper control system programming.