Customizable hand dryers for trains

Company

Dan Dryer is a global leader in restroom equipment, dedicated to enhancing hygiene and user experience in public facilities. With decades of expertise, the company sought to innovate its hand dryers for train environments, addressing specific challenges associated with these unique settings.

Challenge

To enhance user experience and minimize paper towel waste, Dan Dryer needed customizable hand dryers that could accurately detect user proximity and operate efficiently. Key issues included ensuring that the dryers blow air at the right temperature and duration to effectively dry hands, thereby reducing the reliance on paper towels.

In addition, the existing infrared sensors used in their dryers posed inconsistencies due to varying skin tones and environmental lighting conditions, leading to ineffective activation. The company needed a solution that would allow for customizable settings tailored to different installations while maintaining efficiency and user satisfaction.

Solution

EKTOS partnered with Dan Dryer to develop a new generation of hand dryers featuring advanced sensor technology and customizable settings.

The engineering team created a PC application that connects to the hand dryers via digital interfaces such as Modbus or RS485, enabling the tracking of key parameters, error reporting, and individual dryer configuration. They replaced traditional infrared sensors with Time of Flight (ToF) sensors, which accurately measure hand distance regardless of ambient light or skin characteristics.

Additionally, EKTOS engineered two new versions of the controller—one for 230 V and one for 24 V DC—ensuring compatibility for installation on trains. This holistic approach incorporated both technical innovation and user-friendly features, ensuring ease of maintenance and operation.

Result

The collaboration resulted in more efficient hand dryers that significantly reduce waste and maintenance resources. Vagn Eden, Co-owner and Product Manager at Dan Dryer, praised the efficient process, stating, “EKTOS knows a lot about which solutions are available and technically possible. It has been a very efficient process.” The upgraded hand dryers are set to make a positive impact in various locations.

The successful partnership has positioned Dan Dryer to roll out their upgraded hand dryers across train systems globally, exemplifying innovation in restroom technology and sustainability in resource management.

“I’m very pleased with the team’s approach and the communication throughout the process” – Vagn Eden, Co-owner and Product Manager at Dan Dryer