Device for storing and/or removing cloths and method for producing a device for storing and/or removing cloths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for storing and removing towels, particularly in healthcare settings, fail to ensure safe and hygienic single-use practices due to risks of reuse and contamination, exacerbated by improper disinfection procedures and insufficient staff training.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a solid-walled storage container with a sealed, germ-proof film covering and a removal opening that prevents reuse, utilizing a stable and liquid-tight composite film, such as PET/PE or PET/PP, and a secure locking mechanism to ensure the container cannot be refilled without destruction of the sealing film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple hinged lid container is used for storing wipes, then the device is easy to manufacture and operate, but it allows reuse and refilling which creates hygienic contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a reusable outer container and a disposable inner storage container with integrated wipe roll. The inner container is pre-sealed with a tear-off film and cannot be refilled, ensuring single-use hygiene while the outer container can be reused. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the critical hygiene-containing portion disposable while keeping the outer structure reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner storage container with wipe roll is designed as a disposable component that cannot be refilled. It includes a pre-sealed construction with tear-off film and an irreversibly deformed dispensing opening after first use. This disposable inner container ensures hygienic safety by preventing reuse, while the overall system remains cost-effective through selective disposal of only the critical hygiene portion.
2Quantity of substance
If a refillable container system is used to reduce costs, then the quantity of substance can be maintained, but the risk of germ spreading and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wipe storage into a reusable outer container and a disposable inner container. The inner container maintains wipe availability through its pre-loaded design while eliminating contamination risk through its non-refillable, single-use construction with irreversible sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner storage container is designed as a disposable component that guarantees single-use hygiene. It contains sufficient wipes for the intended period and cannot be refilled, preventing germ spreading while maintaining adequate wipe supply throughout its service life.
3Reliability
If a sealed container with removable lid is used, then the wipes are protected from drying out, but the container can be opened and refilled multiple times creating hygiene risks
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented between the reusable outer container lid and the disposable inner container. The inner container provides permanent sealing through its pre-sealed construction with tear-off film, while the outer container lid provides additional protection. This segmentation achieves reliable wipe protection without requiring complex reusable sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner storage container is pre-sealed during manufacturing with a tear-off film before reaching the user. This preliminary sealing action ensures wipe protection from drying out immediately upon use, while the irreversible sealing design prevents any future opening or refilling, eliminating hygiene risks associated with repeated opening/closing mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a disposable single-use system is implemented to prevent contamination, then hygienic safety is improved, but the cost and waste generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the disposable portion to only the inner storage container with wipe roll, while the outer container and lid are reusable. This selective disposability achieves hygienic safety by making the contamination-critical inner portion single-use, while reducing material waste by allowing repeated use of the outer container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner storage container is designed as a disposable component that ensures hygienic safety through its non-refillable, single-use construction. However, only this inner container is disposable, not the entire system. The outer container and lid are reused across multiple inner containers, reducing overall material waste while maintaining hygienic standards.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for storing and/or removing cloths, particularly disposable wipes and particularly wet wipes, comprising a storage region with a packaging means that at least partially encloses same, and a removal region that comprises a removal means set into the removal opening inserted into said packaging means.