Dispenser With Offset Openings And Push-Button Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a dispenser assembly with a removable insert that allows easy replacement of products within a moisture-tight environment, ensuring that the product is housed securely until placement or replacement within the product containing space.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser assembly comprising a container and a removable insert with a product cartridge and a push-button assembly, where the insert includes a product containing space with a first opening for dispensing and a dispenser receptacle with a second opening, allowing product transfer between the two openings when the push-button assembly is moved between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the product cartridge is made removable for easy replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining a moisture-tight environment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into separate modular components: a removable insert assembly containing the product cartridge, and a stationary container assembly. The insert can be easily removed and replaced while the container maintains its moisture-tight seal, resolving the contradiction between ease of replacement and environmental protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert assembly acts as an intermediary component between the user and the product. It provides a user-friendly interface for product access and replacement, while the container assembly maintains the protected moisture-tight environment. The hinge mechanism serves as an intermediary that enables controlled access without compromising the overall seal.
2Productivity
If the first opening is offset from the second opening, then the productivity of dispensing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push-button assembly is designed to be movable between positions, dynamically aligning the orifice with different openings. This dynamic mechanism enables the offset opening configuration to function efficiently without requiring complex fixed structures, as the button movement simplifies the connection between the offset openings.
3Reliability
If the push-button assembly is added to control product flow, then the reliability of controlled dispensing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push-button assembly is designed to be actuated by the user's finger, requiring no external power source, motor, or complex control system. The button's movement is directly controlled by user input, making the system self-servicing and minimizing the addition of complexity while maintaining reliable controlled dispensing.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser assembly having a container and an insert secured within the container. The insert includes a product cartridge defining a product containing space and a dispensing body having a dispenser receptacle. The product containing space has a first opening through which product exits, and the dispenser receptacle has a second opening at least partially offset from the first opening through which product enters the dispenser receptacle. The dispenser assembly further includes a push-button assembly attacked to the insert, including a button that moves between first and second positions. The button has an orifice defined therein in communication with one of the first or second openings when in the first position and with the other of the first or second openings when in the second position, such that the button permits transmittal of product between the first and second openings when moved between the first and second positions.