Bottle Cradle Rack Layout for Vertical Dispensing in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispenser systems for large bottles consume excessive floor space and hinder movement in establishments with limited space, posing a hazard due to their horizontal footprint and requiring additional maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser cradle with multi-angled surfaces and channels that support bottles at different angles, allowing for vertical stacking and efficient use of space, eliminating the need for a separate dispensing pod and enabling easy access to liquids without occupying horizontal floor space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional storage racks and dispensing pods are used to store and dispense large bottles, then liquid storage and dispensing functions are provided, but excessive floor space is consumed and movement is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser cradle enables bottles to be positioned at various angles (horizontal, vertical, intermediate) rather than being restricted to a single horizontal orientation. This angular dimensionality change allows the same floor space to serve multiple dispensing configurations, effectively reducing the functional footprint while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle design allows dynamic repositioning of bottles between different angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°) during use. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize space utilization based on operational needs, transforming a static space-consuming arrangement into a flexible, space-efficient solution.
2Ease of operation
If conventional dispensing pods with horizontal footprints are used, then liquid dispensing is enabled, but hazards are created and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling vertical and intermediate positioning of bottles, the system eliminates the need for large horizontal dispensing pods. This vertical orientation reduces the horizontal footprint to minimal levels, removing tripping hazards and improving safety while maintaining dispensing functionality through the angled support surfaces and channel structures.
3Area of stationary object
If multi-angled support surfaces and channels are integrated into the dispenser cradle, then space efficiency is improved through vertical stacking, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated cradle structure: storage, multi-angle dispensing, and stacking capabilities are combined in one unit. The support arms, channels, and positioning features work together as a unified system, eliminating the need for separate storage racks and dispensing pods, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser cradle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores bottles, dispenses liquids at various angles, and enables vertical stacking for compact storage. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into one universal unit, improving space utilization without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser cradle is disclosed that includes a front portion, a neck channel situated in the front portion and configured for receiving a neck of a dispensing bottle therethrough, a central channel configured for supporting the dispensing bottle thereon, where the central channel further includes a channel ramp portion extending from proximate the rear wall to a channel aperture, and where the channel aperture is configured for receiving a shoulder portion of the dispensing bottle therethrough when the dispensing bottle is positioned in at least one of a primary position and a secondary position, and when the dispensing bottle is in the primary position, a central axis of the dispensing bottle is situated at a first angle relative to a horizontal axis, and when the dispensing bottle is in the secondary position, a central axis of the dispensing bottle is situated at a second angle relative to the horizontal axis.