Dual-Chamber Absorbent Article Package for Bottom-Access Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current absorbent article packages require either top or bottom openings, leading to difficulties in accessing the last article, with top openings requiring finger insertion and bottom openings necessitating wall mounting for stability, reducing versatility.

Innovation Solution

A dual-chamber package system with a retaining chamber and a dispensing chamber, divided by a movable divider, allowing for easy access to the bottommost absorbent article without additional mounting, enabling self-standing and versatile placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a top opening is provided in the package/dispenser, then the absorbent articles can be accessed from the top, but the user needs to stick fingers into the opening to reach the topmost article when the number of articles decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility to absorbent articlesVSAvoidPackage structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The package is divided into two separate chambers: a retaining chamber that stores the compressed block of absorbent articles and a dispensing chamber that provides access to the bottommost article. This segmentation allows the retaining chamber to maintain a compact structure while the dispensing chamber provides easy access without requiring users to reach into a deep opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a bottom opening is provided in the package/dispenser, then the user can always access the bottommost absorbent article without reaching, but the package requires wall mounting or surface fixation to remain stable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility to bottommost absorbent articleVSAvoidPlacement versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The package structure is segmented into a retaining chamber for storage and a dispensing chamber for access. The dispensing chamber includes a bottom opening that allows users to access the bottommost article without reaching, while the retaining chamber provides a stable base for placement on tables or counters without requiring wall mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a bottom opening with sufficient clearance area is provided, then the user can grip the bottommost absorbent article easily, but the package cannot be placed directly on tables or counters

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGrip clarity for absorbent articleVSAvoidPlacement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The package is divided into a retaining chamber that maintains a stable base for placement and a dispensing chamber that provides the necessary bottom opening with clearance. This segmentation allows the opening to be large enough for easy gripping while the retaining chamber provides structural stability for various placement options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If a single chamber is used to house all absorbent articles, then the package structure is simple, but the user cannot easily access the bottommost article without reaching into the chamber

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePackage structure simplicityVSAvoidAccessibility to bottommost absorbent article
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The single chamber is divided into two functional chambers: a retaining chamber that houses the compressed block of absorbent articles and a dispensing chamber that provides access to the bottommost article. This segmentation improves accessibility while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3658470B1A dual-chamber package system for absorbent articles
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3658470B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3658470B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3658470B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dual-chamber package system (1) for absorbent articles, comprises: a retaining chamber (2) for vertically retaining a plurality of absorbent articles (10), a dispensing chamber (3) positioned underneath the retaining chamber (2), wherein the dispensing chamber (3) has a front side opening (31), and a divider (4) dividing the retaining chamber (2) and the dispensing chamber (3), wherein at least a portion of the divider (4) is moveable so that a bottommost absorbent article is dispensable from the front side opening (31) of the dispensing chamber (3).