Dual-Inlet Pump Dispenser for Automatic Soap Dilution and Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand soap dispensers do not have an efficient method for refilling after the soap is exhausted, requiring users to manually add concentrated soap and water, which can be inconvenient and may not ensure proper mixing.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system comprising a housing, a cartridge, and a pump assembly with a tube that draws two liquids (water and concentrated soap) into the tube when actuated, allowing for continuous use by refilling the cartridge when the soap is depleted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually add concentrated soap and water to refill the dispenser, then the dispenser can continue to be used, but the process is inconvenient and may not ensure proper mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate refillable containers: a first container for concentrated soap and a second container for water. This segmentation allows each liquid to be refilled independently through its own opening, eliminating the need for manual mixing while ensuring proper proportions are maintained through the dual-container design.
Solution Approach 2:
A mixing chamber acts as an intermediary between the two liquid sources. The pump assembly draws concentrated soap from the first container and water from the second container, mixing them in the pump chamber before dispensing. This intermediary mixing mechanism ensures consistent mixing ratios without requiring user intervention.
2Productivity
If the dispenser contains only concentrated soap initially, then the initial dispensing works, but the dispenser requires manual refilling which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with two separate containers and two separate refill openings before use. Users can independently refill the concentrated soap container and water container at different times without interfering with each other, enabling continuous operation without the inconvenience of manual mixing during refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can draw from either the first container or second container independently, and can mix them in various proportions. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different usage scenarios and maintain continuous operation with flexible refilling options.
3Device complexity
If a single container design is used, then the structure is simple, but refilling requires manual mixing of concentrated soap and water
Solution Approach 1:
The single container is segmented into two separate containers: a first container for concentrated soap and a second container for water. Each container has its own opening for refilling, which simplifies the refilling operation by eliminating the need for manual mixing while only moderately increasing structural complexity through the addition of a second container and opening.
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
Enables easy refilling and continuous operation of the dispenser by allowing users to pour water into the housing and draw it through the pump assembly, mixing it with concentrated soap from the cartridge, ensuring consistent soap supply without manual mixing issues.
Implementation Method 1
the pump assembly is actuated, thereby causing water to be drawn into the tube from the housing through a first inlet in the tube and concentrated soap to be drawn into the tube from the cartridge through a second inlet in the tube
Implementation Method 2
When a user actuates the pump assembly (e.g., by pressing downward), the mixture flows out through a nozzle in the pump assembly as a (e.g., foaming) hand soap
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A dispenser includes a housing, a cartridge, and a pump assembly. The housing defines an internal volume. The cartridge is coupled with the housing. The pump assembly includes a tube that extends through the cartridge and into the internal volume of the housing. The tube includes a first inlet through which a first liquid is drawn into the tube from the internal volume when the pump assembly is actuated, and a second inlet through which a second liquid is drawn into the tube from the cartridge when the pump assembly is actuated.