Dispenser Cover With Interference Fit Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensers for articles like tissues and wet wipes often become dislodged from attached assemblies when the number of wipes within the container is reduced, due to the flexible material and forces applied during removal.
Innovation Solution
A cover system with a base and rotatably coupled lid tray, featuring upper and lower tabs that securely attach the dispenser to an outside assembly, preventing dislodgment even when few wipes remain, by providing a stable interface through an interference fit and locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the container is attached directly to the assembly, then the dispenser can be mounted on the assembly, but the container becomes dislodged when the number of wipes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into separate functional components: a base portion that attaches to the assembly and a lid portion that covers the opening. This segmentation allows the attachment function to be separated from the container, enabling the base to maintain secure attachment even when the container's weight changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion acts as an intermediary element between the container and the assembly. It provides a stable interface that couples the container to the assembly, preventing direct attachment of the flexible container while maintaining secure mounting throughout the product lifecycle.
2Ease of manufacture
If the container is made of flexible material, then it can be easily formed and sealed, but it becomes dislodged under forces applied during wipe removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the flexible container from the attachment mechanism by introducing a rigid base portion. The flexible container remains easy to manufacture and seal, while the rigid base provides stable attachment to the assembly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion serves as a rigid intermediary that bridges the flexible container and the assembly. It transfers forces from the container to the assembly in a controlled manner, preventing dislodgment while maintaining the container's flexibility and ease of manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If the container is subjected to forces during wipe removal, then wipes can be dispensed, but the container becomes dislodged from the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion acts as a force-dissipating intermediary that handles the forces generated during wipe removal. It provides a stable attachment interface that resists dislodgment while allowing the container to be operated freely for wipe dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the cover into base and lid portions, the attachment stability function is isolated to the base, allowing the container to undergo operational forces during wipe removal without compromising the attachment to the assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser includes a container having an opening; and a cover coupled to the container and configured to cover the opening, the cover including a base coupled to the container, the base having side walls defining an interior opening; a first tab and a second extending outwardly in a first direction from a first one of the side walls, wherein the second tab is spaced from and substantially parallel to the first tab, a third tab and a fourth tab extending outwardly in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction from a second one of the side walls, wherein the fourth tab is spaced from and substantially parallel to the third tab; and a lid tray rotatably coupled to the base and configured to cover the interior opening.