Bulk dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk dispensers pose a risk of disease transmission due to direct hand contact with handles, leading to potential microbial and viral transfer among users, necessitating frequent cleaning and sanitation protocols.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-feed bulk dispenser design that allows indirect operation using a receptacle as the point of contact, minimizing direct touch with the dispenser through a spout actuator assembly connected to a pivot housing and handle arms, enabling users to actuate the dispenser with both hands or support the receptacle, thus reducing sequential contact risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users directly contact the dispenser handle to operate it, then the dispenser is easy to operate, but disease transmission risk increases due to direct hand contact with handles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receptacle as an intermediary object between the user's hand and the dispenser handle. The user places the receptacle on the handle to actuate the dispenser, rather than directly gripping the handle with their hand. This intermediary approach maintains ease of operation while eliminating direct skin-to-handle contact, thereby reducing disease transmission risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a receptacle is used as the point of contact to actuate the dispenser, then direct contact between user and dispenser is minimized, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle serves multiple functions: it is used to receive bulk material from the dispenser and simultaneously serves as the actuating mechanism by being placed on the handle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuating components, maintaining device simplicity while achieving the goal of minimizing direct contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed to be actuated by the receptacle itself rather than requiring a separate control mechanism. The user simply places the receptacle on the handle, and the weight and position of the receptacle automatically trigger the dispensing action. This self-service approach reduces device complexity by eliminating additional actuators or controls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is positioned below the dispensing end of the spout, then the actuator can be operated with both hands or supported by the receptacle, but the mechanical linkage complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned below the dispensing end of the spout at a location where the receptacle can naturally rest and apply force. This positioning creates an equipotential state where the receptacle's weight and position alone are sufficient to actuate the mechanism, eliminating the need for complex spring-loaded or counterbalanced systems that would be required if the actuator were positioned elsewhere.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design reduces the risk of disease transmission by minimizing direct contact with the dispenser, allowing for easier operation and accommodating various physical abilities while maintaining efficient product dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
as the material is being dispensed gravity pulls the remaining material in the enclosure towards the lower end to replace dispensed material
Implementation Method 2
A force applied to the actuator rotates the actuator relative to the spout of the dispenser and the force is transferred to the gate through the linkage and the pair of handle arms to open the gate
Data Source
AI summary
A gravity-feed dispenser for storage and dispensing of bulk material includes a compartment. A gate separates the compartment from a spout. The gate is operable to open and close to selectively permit bulk material to pass from the compartment into the spout. An actuator is movable relative to the spout and mechanically connected to the gate such that movement of the actuator operates the gate to reversibly open and close. Movement of the actuator concurrently reversibly positions the actuator to a dispensing position below a dispensing end of the spout, wherein dispensed bulk material passes through the spout and the actuator.