Dispenser Cover Retention with Removable Journal Rod Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensers, such as soap dispensers, face difficulties in easily removing and replacing the cover member, which limits the ability to swap or change the consumable product or cover components.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser design featuring a backplate and a cover member with a journal rod system, where a movable member allows for the journal rod to be inserted or removed, enabling easy coupling and decoupling of the cover member from the backplate, allowing for the replacement of consumable products and cover components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cover member is fixed to the backplate with a journal bearing, then the dispenser structure is stable and reliable, but the cover member cannot be easily removed or replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcover member replaceability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable member transitions between a first position (where journal bearing portions mate to form a secure journal bearing for stable operation) and a second position (where journal bearing portions are spaced apart to permit easy removal of the cover member). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same structure to provide both secure retention and easy replaceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The journal bearing is divided into separate first and second journal bearing portions that can be positioned independently. The movable member carries the second journal bearing portion and can be moved to either mate with the first journal bearing portion (secured state) or space it apart (removable state), enabling the cover member to be either firmly retained or easily replaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the journal rod is permanently engaged in the journal bearing, then the cover member remains securely mounted, but the consumable product cannot be replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidproduct replacement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The movable member dynamically repositions the second journal bearing portion between a mated configuration (providing secure mounting for the journal rod and cover member) and a spaced-apart configuration (allowing removal of the journal rod and cover member for product replacement).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable member acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the engagement between the journal rod and the journal bearing portions. By moving this intermediary component, the system transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling both secure mounting and easy replacement of consumable products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2896340B1Dispenser cover retention arrangement
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 OP HYGIENE IP GMBH
  • EP2896340B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2896340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2896340B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dispenser for a consumable product having a backplate for mounting to a wall and a cover member pivotably mounted to the backplate for relative movement between a closed position and an open position.