Consumable Dispenser Spring-Locking Button for Single-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing consumable dispensers, such as liquid soap and hydro-alcoholic solution dispensers, require users to manually control the cover's rotation with one hand while holding the dispenser with the other to prevent sudden locking, which is impractical and can damage the dispenser due to inertia during the opening phase.
Innovation Solution
A consumable dispenser design featuring a handling button with an elastic mechanism that allows the cover to be opened and closed with one hand, using a spring to engage and disengage the locking element, enabling smooth operation and preventing sudden blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a push button locking system is used to secure the cover on the frame, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user must simultaneously hold the cover with one hand while pressing the button with the other to prevent sudden locking
Solution Approach 1:
The button is pre-mounted on the cover itself, allowing the user to initiate the unlocking action directly from the cover without requiring coordination between hands. The button's position and design enable the user to press it while maintaining control of the cover, eliminating the need to simultaneously hold the cover with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The button acts as an intermediary element integrated into the cover structure, mediating between the user's input and the locking mechanism. By being fixed to the cover, it provides a stable reference point that allows the user to operate the locking system without needing to balance multiple manual tasks.
2Device complexity
If the cover rotation is limited by the shape of lower housings, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to sudden locking that damages the distributor from cover inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The button mechanism is designed to disengage the locking element before the cover reaches the position where sudden locking would occur. This preemptive action cushions against the inertial forces that would otherwise cause damage, allowing the simple housing shape to remain while preventing reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking action is initiated in advance by pressing the button, which releases the locking element before the cover's rotational momentum causes it to slam into the housing limits. This preliminary unlocking prevents the harmful sudden locking while maintaining the simple structural design.
3Ease of manufacture
If the button is fixed permanently on the dispenser frame, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user cannot easily access and operate the button during consumable replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The button is segmented from the frame and attached to the cover, creating a movable component that moves with the cover. This segmentation allows the button to be positioned optimally for user access during consumable replacement, while the attachment method maintains manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The button's position is changed from a fixed location on the frame to a location on the moving cover. This dimensional change in positioning allows the button to be accessible during consumable replacement operations, improving ease of operation while maintaining straightforward manufacturing through standard attachment methods.
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 ergonomic design allows for safe and efficient replacement of consumables without damaging the dispenser, improving user experience by allowing single-handed operation and preventing mechanical stress during cover rotation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic means, integral with the manipulation button, arranged in said distributor to engage said locking element when the manipulation button is in position rest and to disengage said locking element when said handling button is in the working position
Implementation Method 2
the elastic means comprises a spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a dispenser for consumables such as liquid soap, hydroalcoholic solution, or toilet paper, remarkable in that it comprises: - a casing (3), including a frame (5) and a cover (7) movable on the frame between a closed position and an open position allowing access to the inside of the casing (3), - a locking element (13) for the cover on the frame (5), - a control button (9) for the cover, movable alternately between a rest position and a working position, - an elastic means, attached to the control button, arranged to engage said locking element when the control button is in the rest position and to release said locking element when said control button is in the working position.