Collapsible Storage Pod Applicator for Complete Gel Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for dispensing flowable materials, such as cleaning and disinfecting gels, often result in incomplete flushing and inefficient application, particularly in toilet bowls and other surfaces, leading to residue accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a storage pod with a dome-shaped housing and a collapsible lid, combined with an applicator that uses a pusher mechanism to extrude the flowable material onto a surface, ensuring complete dispensing and uniform application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional applicator is used to dispense flowable material, then the material can be applied to the surface, but incomplete flushing occurs and residue accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage pod employs a collapsible dome-shaped housing that transitions from an expanded storage state to a collapsed dispensing state. This dynamic structural change enables complete material extrusion through the aperture, ensuring the entire contents are dispensed onto the surface, thereby eliminating residue accumulation while maintaining reliable dispensing function.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed amount of material is stored in the pod, then accurate application is achieved, but the pod structure must be precise
Solution Approach 1:
The storage pod utilizes the geometric parameters of its dome-shaped housing and the aperture configuration to control the exact amount of material dispensed. By carefully designing the dome's volume and the aperture's dimensions, the system achieves precise fixed-amount dispensing without requiring complex measurement or control mechanisms, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while avoiding excessive structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is made removable with inner and outer layers, then controlled access is achieved, but the lid structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into distinct functional layers: an outer layer for protection and an inner layer with an aperture for controlled material access. This segmentation allows the lid to provide controlled access functionality while maintaining relatively simple construction, as each layer performs a specific function without requiring complex integration.
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 system ensures complete dispensing of a fixed amount of flowable material, forming a uniform dollop on the surface, minimizing residue and enhancing cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pusher mechanism configured to contact the upper portion of the housing. The upper portion of the housing is configured to collapse when it receives a force applied from a user through the pusher mechanism
Implementation Method 2
when the upper portion collapses, the flowable material is extruded through the aperture of the pod
Data Source
AI summary
A system for applying a flowable material to a surface that includes an applicator and a storage pod is disclosed. The storage pod may have a housing and a lid that engage each other to form an interior cavity that contains a flowable material. The applicator receives the storage pod and has a pusher mechanism to apply a force to the housing causing the housing to collapse. As the housing collapses, the flowable material is expelled from the storage pod. The applicator may be a reusable applicator where the storage pods can be used and reloaded, or a single use disposable applicator.