Changing table with integrated dispensing unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle toilet cabins, especially in rail vehicles, there is a challenge in densely packing essential equipment like changing tables and hygiene product dispensers in a way that is intuitive, ergonomically sound, and space-efficient, while preventing misuse and ensuring accessibility only when needed.
Innovation Solution
A changing table with an integrated dispenser unit, where the dispenser's removal opening is positioned on the underside of the table, allowing for space-saving integration and ensuring hygiene products are not accessible during changing, and can be pivoted to allow refilling when not in use, with a design that angles the dispenser unit to optimize accessibility and prevent misuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the dispenser unit is integrated into the changing table top, then space is saved and integration density increases, but accessibility to hygiene products during changing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The removal opening is positioned on the underside of the changing table top, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide accessibility when the table is in its normal position, while the changing surface remains above and accessible from above. This dimensional separation allows both functions to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The changing table top is designed to be pivotable about an axis of rotation, allowing it to transition between a horizontal changing position and a vertical storage position. This dynamic movement enables the removal opening to be accessible from the front when needed, while maintaining integration during changing operations.
2Reliability
If the removal opening is positioned on the underside of the changing table top, then hygiene products are protected from accidental access during changing, but accessibility for refilling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable design allows the changing table top to be rotated to a vertical position where the removal opening on the underside becomes easily accessible from the front for refilling operations, while during normal changing operations the opening remains protected on the underside.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that refilling is performed as a preliminary action when the table is in its storage position, before changing operations begin. This separates the refilling function from the changing function in both time and space.
3Area of stationary object
If equipment is densely packed on few cabin walls, then space efficiency increases, but intuitive arrangement and ergonomic accessibility become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser unit is merged with the changing table top structure, combining two functions (changing and hygiene product dispensing) into a single integrated unit. This reduces the number of separate equipment pieces while maintaining intuitive accessibility through the pivotable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The changing table top serves multiple functions: it provides a changing surface when horizontal, and provides access to hygiene products when vertical. This multi-functionality allows dense packing without sacrificing operational intuitiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a changing table (1), which comprises a changing table surface (2) including an upper side (4) with a changing surface (6) for changing a diaper and an underside. The changing table (1) further comprises a securing means (12) on a securing side (20) of the changing table surface (2), the securing means being configured to secure the changing table surface (2) pivotably about an axis of rotation (9). The changing table (1) further comprises a dispensing unit (10) integrated into the changing table surface (2), for dispensing hygiene products. The changing table (1) further comprises a removal opening of the dispensing unit (10) on the underside of the changing table surface (2). The invention further describes a cubicle with a changing table (1), which is secured to a cubicle wall pivotably about an axis of rotation (9).