Dispenser assembly including enclosure with handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for hygiene products, such as hand sanitizers and soaps, face challenges in ease of use and cost due to complex designs and size, which can impact usability and maintenance in institutional settings.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser assembly that includes a container with a pump actuated by a pump actuator assembly, allowing for the dispensing of gel, liquid, and foam products through a mechanism where a force applied along one axis actuates the pump, enabling efficient dispensing of various product formats without complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing dispensing systems use complex designs to dispense multiple product formats, then dispensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump actuator assembly is designed with a universal dual-ramp mechanism that can dispense multiple product formats (gel, liquid, and foam) through a single integrated structure. The first actuator with lower ramp and second actuator with upper ramp work together to provide multi-functional dispensing capability without requiring separate mechanisms for each product type, thus achieving versatility while maintaining design simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing dispensing systems increase size to accommodate complex mechanisms, then dispensing functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump actuator assembly merges the functions of multiple actuators into a single integrated unit. The first actuator and second actuator are combined with their respective ramps (lower ramp and upper ramp) to form one cohesive assembly that actuates the pump together, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and improving ease of operation while maintaining versatile dispensing functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing dispensing systems use complex mechanisms to dispense multiple formats, then product format versatility is improved, but maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump actuator assembly is segmented into distinct functional components including the first actuator, second actuator, lower ramp, and upper ramp. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and easier maintenance, as individual components can be inspected, replaced, or repaired independently while maintaining the overall versatility of dispensing multiple product formats.
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 assembly provides a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution for dispensing multiple product formats, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing usability in institutional settings while maintaining a minimal design for aesthetic appeal and environmental friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
The lower ramp of the first actuator and the upper ramp of the second actuator cooperate to actuate at least a portion of the pump along a first axis in response to a force applied along a second axis
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser assembly capable of dispensing gel, liquid, and foam products includes a container to be filled with the product, a pump connected to the container and configured to control dispensing of the product from the container, and a pump actuator assembly configured to actuate the pump and retain the container and the pump. The pump actuator assembly includes a first actuator including a lower ramp, and a second actuator comprising an upper ramp engaged with the lower ramp. The lower ramp of the first actuator and the upper ramp of the second actuator cooperate to actuate at least a portion of the pump along a first axis in response to a force applied along a second axis.