Systems and methods for storing and dispensing detergents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dish soap shakers are ineffective for dispensing solid detergent bars, leading to excess suds, premature dissolving of the detergent, and inefficiency due to their abrasive nature and open mesh design, which is not suitable for the softer and more concentrated detergent bars.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a container and lid design that includes apertures and fins to control the flow of water over the detergent bar, preventing oversupply and wear, and a tray for drying, allowing for controlled dispensing and prolonged use of the detergent bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional soap shaker with wide open mesh is used to dispense solid detergent bars, then the shaker can effectively dispense traditional dish soap, but the abrasive mesh over-aggravates the softer detergent bar, resulting in excess suds and premature dissolving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a smooth inner surface in the region where the detergent bar contacts the dispenser, contrasting with the abrasive outer mesh. This localized smoothness prevents unnecessary abrasion of the softer detergent bar while the outer mesh maintains dispensing functionality. The smooth interior surface specifically protects the detergent bar from excessive wear in the contact zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional soap shaker design by placing the smooth surface on the interior rather than the exterior. Traditionally, the abrasive mesh is on the outside for dispensing, but this patent reverses the expectation by making the interior smooth to protect the detergent bar, while the exterior mesh handles the dispensing function. This inversion resolves the contradiction between dispensing effectiveness and detergent preservation.
2Quantity of substance
If a traditional soap shaker with wide open mesh is used, then the shaker allows water flow, but the open structure causes large volume of water to run directly over the detergent bar, leading to premature dissolving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary smooth inner surface between the detergent bar and the water flow. This smooth interior acts as a mediator that controls and distributes water flow more gently over the detergent bar, preventing direct harsh water impact that causes premature dissolving. The smooth surface intermediates the interaction between water and detergent, reducing excessive dissolution while maintaining effective cleaning.
3Productivity
If a concentrated detergent bar is used to provide more washes, then one bar provides 70-80 washes compared to 20-30 for traditional soap, but the softer texture makes it more susceptible to abrasion and premature dissolving in traditional shakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a protected zone with smooth interior surfaces where the detergent bar resides, contrasting with the abrasive exterior mesh. This localized smoothness in the detergent contact zone preserves the durability of concentrated detergent bars, allowing them to maintain their extended lifespan of 70-80 washes by preventing premature abrasion and dissolution.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the detergent bar is made softer to improve cleaning performance, then superior cleaning attributes are achieved, but the bar becomes more vulnerable to aggregation and wear in traditional dispensers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a smooth interior surface that cushions and protects the softer detergent bar from abrasive contact with the dispenser walls. This pre-established smooth protective layer prevents aggregation and wear before they can occur, allowing the softer detergent bar to maintain its superior cleaning attributes without suffering from premature degradation.
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 dispenser effectively manages the dispensing of detergent from solid detergent bars, reducing waste and extending their use, providing superior cleaning performance while being more economical and sustainable.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid is able to flow through a flow path running through the lid top, through the container and out the base of the container
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a detergent dispenser device and methods of systems related thereto. Dispensers of the present disclosure comprise a container with side walls, a base, and a lid. The dispensers and methods of use described herein are operable to store and contain a cleaning agent, allow fluid to be applied to the agent to create a cleaning solution, and further facilitate drying and fluid management.