Deodorant Dispenser Platform Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld solid deodorant dispensers face issues with force translation, product blockages, and awkward user interaction, particularly in designs with rotating members or sliding panels, leading to inefficient product application and potential breakage.
Innovation Solution
A deodorant dispenser featuring a platform movable through a main shaft via a projection extending through a slot in the sidewall, allowing for fine adjustments and secure product dispensing without requiring deep insertion or awkward movements, with a cap that seals against the sidewall to protect the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating member (scroll wheel) is used to advance deodorant, then the deodorant block progresses upward within the main body, but the design does not translate enough force to the product and is subject to frequent breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating member is segmented into a knurled wheel with a peripheral surface that engages the deodorant block, separating the force application interface from the rotational mechanism to improve both force translation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A threaded shaft acts as an intermediary between the rotating knurled wheel and the deodorant block, converting rotational motion into linear advancement while distributing force more effectively and reducing breakage risk
2Productivity
If a bottom panel is made slideable to advance deodorant, then the deodorant block progresses upward, but the design is not configured for fine adjustment and often leads to overcorrection and loss of product
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom panel transitions from a purely slideable static mechanism to a dynamic system where the knurled wheel can be rotated to precisely control panel movement, enabling fine adjustment of deodorant position without overcorrection
Solution Approach 2:
The user can visually track the deodorant block position relative to the rim while rotating the knurled wheel, providing continuous feedback to prevent over-advancement and product loss
3Ease of operation
If a user must insert an appendage progressively further into the main body to move the product, then the product can be advanced, but the movement is awkward and requires turning the main body making it difficult to visually track product progress
Solution Approach 1:
The knurled wheel provides an external rotary interface that converts linear insertion movements into rotational movements, allowing users to operate the mechanism from the outside of the main body while maintaining visual tracking of product progress
4Productivity
If direct but uneven application of force to the panel is applied, then the panel may skew at unintended angles with respect to the main body, increasing the chances of blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The knurled wheel provides a distributed circular engagement surface that applies force uniformly around the panel perimeter, preventing skewing and unintended angles that could cause blockage while maintaining efficient product advancement
Data Source
AI summary
A deodorant dispenser having a tub including a sidewall and a rim. The sidewall defines an elongated slot. The dispenser also has a platform at least partially circumscribed by the sidewall. The dispenser also preferably includes a projection fixed to and extending outward from the platform through the elongated slot. The projection is moveable within the elongated slot to adjust the position of the platform with respect to the rim.