Deformable Dual-Cavity Container for Hygienic Counter Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Counter-mounted liquid dispensing systems face challenges in efficiently installing and managing flowable materials within predrilled access holes in washroom counters, particularly in maintaining hygiene and preventing flow contamination during installation and use.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring two deformable portions with a sealable first cavity and a second cavity in flow communication, where the first portion deforms to fit into the access hole when empty and the second portion deforms to fit through when empty, with a means to inhibit flow between them, including a pump and dip tube configuration for hygienic dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container uses a single cavity design, then the structure is simpler, but the flowable material cannot be protected from contamination during shipping and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two separate deformable portions: a first deformable portion containing the flowable material and a second deformable portion that receives the material during dispensing. This segmentation allows the first portion to remain sealed and protected during shipping and installation, while the second portion can be positioned for dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second deformable portion is nested within or alongside the first deformable portion during shipping. The container design allows the second portion to be positioned inside or adjacent to the first portion, creating a compact configuration that protects both portions while maintaining the sealed state of the flowable material.
2Ease of operation
If the container is rigid, then it maintains structural integrity, but it cannot deform to fit through predrilled access holes in counters
Solution Approach 1:
The container portions are designed to be deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to change shape during installation. The first and second deformable portions can be compressed and shaped to fit through predrilled access holes in counters, then expand to their functional shapes once installed, maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the container portions changes from a compressed, deformable state during installation to an expanded, structurally sound state during operation. The material properties allow the container to transition between these states, enabling easy installation through small access holes while maintaining strength during use.
3Reliability
If the first cavity inlet remains open, then filling is easier, but the flowable material is exposed to contamination during shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The first cavity inlet is pre-sealed before the container is installed or used. This preliminary sealing action protects the flowable material from contamination during shipping and storage. The seal can be broken or opened later during the dispensing setup process, allowing the dip tube to access the material without compromising the protective sealing that was in place during manufacturing and shipping.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a container for flowable material configured to be installed in a counter below an access hole. The container includes a first deformable portion and a second deformable portion. The first deformable portion defines a first cavity and has a sealable first cavity inlet. The second deformable portion defines a second cavity and is in flow communication with the first cavity. The first deformable portion is configured to deform to fit into the access hole when substantially no flowable material is therein and the second deformable portion configured to deform to fit through the access hole when substantially no flowable material is therein. The disclosure also includes a method of installing a container of flowable material in a counter below an access hole.