Cleaning Pod Dispenser With Retaining-Ejecting Mixing Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cleaning arrangements require multiple reservoirs for different cleaning solutions, leading to space and financial/carbon footprint issues, and refilling each dispenser increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A container that combines a diluting fluid reservoir with a chamber for a pod containing concentrated fluid, allowing on-demand mixing and dispensing of a composite fluid, such as cleaning solutions or beverages, through a retaining-ejecting mechanism and dispensing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate reservoirs are used for different cleaning solutions, then each cleaning solution can be stored separately, but storage space requirements increase and financial/carbon footprint costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning solution reservoirs into a single integrated dispenser unit. The dispenser contains multiple separate chambers or compartments, each holding a different cleaning solution, allowing users to access multiple cleaning agents without requiring multiple separate storage locations. This merging approach reduces the overall storage space footprint while maintaining the ability to store and dispense different cleaning solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can hold and dispense multiple different types of cleaning solutions simultaneously. The device incorporates a common dispensing mechanism that can handle various cleaning agents, eliminating the need for separate specialized storage for each cleaning solution type while maintaining versatility.
2Duration of action of moving object
If traditional dispensers are refilled repeatedly, then cleaning solutions can be replenished, but financial costs and carbon footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is pre-filled with multiple cleaning solutions during manufacturing or initial setup, eliminating the need for repeated user refilling operations. The device comes ready-to-use with sufficient cleaning solution capacity to last through its intended service life, reducing the frequency of refilling events and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed as a disposable or limited-life product that is discarded after use rather than being refilled and reused indefinitely. This approach eliminates the cumulative costs and environmental impact of repeated refilling operations, as the entire unit is replaced only when all cleaning solutions are depleted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate reservoirs are used for each cleaning solution, then each solution can be maintained independently, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate reservoir systems into a single integrated dispenser unit. While the internal structure contains multiple chambers for different cleaning solutions, these are combined within one external housing with a unified dispensing interface, reducing the apparent complexity and number of separate devices needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser employs a universal multi-functional design where a single dispensing mechanism can handle multiple different cleaning solutions. The device incorporates a common actuation system and dispensing interface that works with various cleaning agents, reducing the need for multiple specialized mechanisms while maintaining the ability to dispense different solutions.
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
Reduces the need for multiple cleaning solution reservoirs, minimizing storage space and costs while providing a flexible and efficient way to create and dispense customized cleaning or beverage solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining-ejecting mechanism includes at least one seal configured to engage the pod to prevent fluid from at least one of the pod or a base to exit the dispenser undesirably
Implementation Method 2
an insert guide configured to assist translation of the inserted pod along a unidirectional path in or out of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
The retaining-ejecting mechanism enables the pod to be inserted into a retained position at least partially within the recess, retained in a retained position, and released from the retained position
Implementation Method 4
The chamber includes a puncture tool configured to release at least a portion of the concentrated fluid from the pod
Implementation Method 5
The container includes a proportioning system that mixes the diluting fluid and the concentrated fluid on demand to provide a set amount of composite fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A container configured for dispensing a composite fluid is provided. The container includes a cover housing and base having reservoir therein. The cover housing includes a chamber including a recess configured for receiving a pod containing concentrated fluid at least partially therein and a dispensing mechanism. The reservoir is configured to contain a diluting fluid. The diluting fluid and the concentrated fluid are mixed to form a composite fluid that is dispensed via the dispensing mechanism. The composite fluid may be a cleaner, potable beverage, medicated fluid, and/or the like.