Angled Support Structure for Countertop Wipes Container Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for wipes are not aesthetically suited for kitchen or bathroom countertops, leading to them being stored in cupboards or drawers rather than being easily accessible on tables or countertops.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing container with a support structure forming an angle of 120° to 150° with the bottom, allowing a tall rectangular stack of wipes to be angled and flexible enough to fit within the container, enabling it to be placed on countertops without obstructing space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tall rectangular stack of wipes is placed vertically in the container, then the wipes can be easily accessed, but the container height becomes excessive and cannot be placed on countertops
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure tilts the wipe stack at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the container base, transforming the vertical orientation into an angled orientation. This dimensional change allows the tall wipe stack to fit within the container's height constraint while remaining accessible for dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure employs a curved or convex surface that the wipe stack rests against, allowing the stack to bend or conform slightly to the curved surface. This curvature enables the tall stack to fit within the container by distributing the height along the curved path rather than requiring straight vertical space.
2Area of stationary object
If the container is made compact to fit on countertops, then space is saved, but the wipes cannot be easily accessed or dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The angled support structure reorients the wipe stack so that the dispensing end extends toward the container opening at an optimal angle, making it easily accessible despite the compact container size. This angular orientation optimizes the balance between compactness and dispensing ease.
3Quantity of substance
If existing dispensing containers are used, then wipes can be stored, but they are not aesthetically suited for kitchen or bathroom countertops
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates a curved or convex support structure that creates an aesthetically pleasing form factor suitable for countertop placement. The curvature adds visual appeal while maintaining the functional capacity to store and dispense wipes effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Dispensing containers including a bottom, a top, and one or more side walls defining an interior cavity within the container. A support structure adjacent the bottom of the container forms an angle between a top surface of the support structure and the bottom that is from 120° to 150°. This allows the container to accommodate a rectangular stack of wipes positioned within the interior cavity of the container, in a substantially vertical orientation, with the short side contacting the bottom of the container, and the underside of the stack contacting the top surface of the support structure. The stack of wipes may be taller than the height of the container, fitting into the container due to the slightly angled orientation of the stack, the flexible nature of the stack of wipes, and the support structure allowing the stack to bend or flop over the support.