Ergonomic Pump Dispenser for One-Handed Substrate Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pump dispensers are inefficient for one-handed application of cleaning and disinfecting compositions to substrates like paper towels, as they require two hands to operate and lack ergonomic design for easy use with cleaning substrates.
Innovation Solution
A pump dispenser package with an ergonomic actuator and pump assembly that allows one-handed operation, featuring a container with a sleeve and actuator skirt design, enabling liquid dispensing onto the actuator top surface for controlled application to substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pump dispensers are used, then liquid dispensing function is achieved, but two hands are required for operation reducing ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with a skirt that can slide within the container sleeve, creating a dynamic sealing mechanism. This allows the actuator to move vertically while maintaining liquid containment, enabling one-handed operation where the substrate itself activates the pump mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate (paper towel or wipe) serves dual purposes: it is both the cleaning tool and the actuating mechanism. When the user presses the substrate against the actuator top, the substrate's movement activates the pump, eliminating the need for a separate activation device and enabling one-handed operation
2Ease of operation
If small actuators are used to reduce device size, then compactness is achieved, but ergonomic operation with substrate becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator top is designed with an asymmetric large surface area that is optimized for contact with the substrate. This asymmetric design allows the actuator to be ergonomically operated with the substrate while the overall device remains compact through the sliding skirt mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator's functional volume is extended in the vertical dimension through the sliding skirt mechanism rather than expanding horizontally. This allows the actuator to maintain a compact footprint while providing sufficient surface area for ergonomic substrate operation
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional dispensers are used, then liquid dispensing is achieved, but controlled application to substrate is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator top surface is designed with specific local properties including discharge orifices positioned to direct liquid flow onto the substrate. This localized design ensures controlled application of liquid precisely where needed on the substrate surface
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary between the liquid reservoir and the substrate. It receives liquid from the pump assembly through discharge orifices and transfers it to the substrate in a controlled manner, mediating the dispensing process
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 convenient, controlled, and efficient one-handed application of cleaning compositions to substrates, improving user experience and reducing the risk of contamination by allowing single-handed use and precise distribution of cleaning solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a pump assembly having a hollow stem and the pump assembly disposed within the container and in fluid communication with the actuator
Implementation Method 2
the actuator has at least one discharge orifice in fluid communication with the stem of the pump assembly to permit liquid to flow on to a top surface of the actuator top upon reciprocation of the actuator top
Implementation Method 3
a sleeve interior surface of the container sleeve is slideably engagable with a skirt exterior surface of the actuator skirt
Data Source
AI summary
A pump dispenser has a large ergonomic actuator designed to ergonomically deliver a composition to a substrate in the consumer's hand without the consumer having to pick up the pump dispenser. The ergonomic design allows the composition to be delivered in a proper aspect ratio to the substrate. The composition can be delivered in such a way that the composition is not aerosolized into the air or delivered to an unintended surface. The method of delivery can be made intuitive to the consumer by providing an actuator skirt that suggests the pumping mechanism or by providing a depiction of a hand or substrate over the pump dispenser. The pump dispenser is also useful for compositions or substrates that are not stable together.