ABSTRACT
The need for a practical solution to the problem of lack of hygienic infrastructure in the department of Mechanical Engineering University of Benin has prompted the need for this project. We aim to use the standard Traditional or manual Hand washing and drying machine and make it automated, through the use of proper sensors and access control mechanism. The development of the automated hand wash station follows a four-part methodology: Design and fabrication of hand wash station housing or framework, following proper material selection, 2D and 3D software design showing proper component assembly and exploded view; Installation of components such as the timer, access control, dryer, electrical components for power supply and fitting of plumbing materials to enable the supply of fresh water, soap, and ejection of waste water; Testing and verification of proper functioning of sensors and control. This includes testing of flow and drying mechanism, soap dispensing mechanism, proper function of programmed timer, and proper function of access control unit; Results and analysis of hand washing process, i.e The time taken for each operation, and the overall execution time, volume of water used per hand wash and comparing whole process with traditional or manual hand wash operation. This research work has successfully presented a functional and highly efficient low cost, low power sensor-controlled hand wash station which was mounted at the entry and exit of the mechanical engineering department university of Benin. Keyword; automated, traditional, manual, design, installation, testing, verification, timer, access control, sensor.
