Collapsible Soap Container Biasing Mechanism for Complete Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid dispensers fail to completely dispense soap from collapsible containers as they collapse, leaving residual soap inside due to lack of effective mechanisms to manage internal pressure and collapse the container effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser design featuring a housing with a collapsing member and biasing member that engages a collapsible liquid container, maintaining internal pressure greater than ambient pressure, and a dispensation mechanism to ensure complete evacuation of fluid, even when the container is fully collapsed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional collapsing mechanism is used to aid dispensation, then the dispensation process is improved, but residual soap remains in the container when completely collapsed
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsing member is designed to dynamically adjust its position and applying force between an extended position (when liquid container is full) and a retracted position (when liquid container is collapsed), allowing the mechanism to adapt to different stages of container collapse and maintain effective dispensation throughout the entire process
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member changes the force parameters applied to the collapsing member throughout the dispensation process, providing increased force when needed to overcome surface tension and container adhesion, ensuring complete liquid evacuation even when the container is fully collapsed
2Ease of operation
If the collapsing member is attached within the interior chamber, then the collapsing action is effective, but the biasing member cannot be properly positioned to provide sufficient force
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is repositioned from within the interior chamber to the exterior of the housing, utilizing the external space and gravitational force to provide consistent biasing force to the collapsing member without interfering with the internal collapsing action or liquid dispensation process
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 ensures complete dispensing of fluid from the collapsible container by maintaining internal pressure and using a biasing mechanism to collapse the container, preventing residual soap from being left behind.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is coupled with the collapsing member and the housing and is configured to bias the collapsing member toward the dispensation zone
Implementation Method 2
The pressurized liquid reservoir is maintained at an internal pressure that is greater than an ambient pressure without any external manual force being applied to the collapsible liquid container
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible liquid container for a fluid dispenser is provided and includes an upper wall, a collapsible sidewall, a bottom wall, fluid, and a dispensation mechanism. The upper wall, the collapsible sidewall, and the bottom wall cooperate to define a pressurized liquid reservoir. The fluid is contained within the liquid reservoir. A fluid dispenser includes a housing, a collapsing member, and a biasing member. The housing comprises an upper container portion and a support portion. The upper container portion at least partially defines an interior chamber for receiving the collapsible liquid container. The support portion extends downwardly from the upper container portion. The collapsing member is disposed within the interior chamber and is movably coupled with the upper container portion. The biasing member is coupled with the collapsing member and the housing and is configured to bias the collapsing member toward the dispensation zone.