Foldable Dispenser Arms for Adhesive Lavatory Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for adhesive lavatory treatment compositions are bulky, require excessive materials, and often necessitate direct contact with the toilet bowl surface, which is undesirable for users.
Innovation Solution
A foldable dispenser with a release film or material that forms a barrier between the adhesive composition and the dispenser, allowing for efficient dispensing without direct contact, and a cover film that can be removed to expose the contents for application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid applicator is used to dispense adhesive material, then the dispensing function is effective, but the device becomes bulky and requires excessive storage volume
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into multiple foldable arms that can be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage and expanded into a rigid structure for dispensing. The arms are segmented to allow folding while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure that can change its configuration between compact storage state and expanded dispensing state, optimizing both storage volume and functional reliability.
2Reliability
If a rigid applicator is used to dispense adhesive material, then the dispensing function is effective, but excessive thermoplastic polymeric materials are used
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is segmented into thin-walled foldable arms that use minimal material while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. This segmentation allows the structure to be both lightweight and mechanically sound during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator arms are constructed using thin-walled structures that minimize material consumption while providing sufficient rigidity when in the deployed configuration, reducing the amount of thermoplastic polymeric materials required.
3Loss of substance
If the applicator structure is simplified for single-use, then material consumption is reduced, but the device becomes structurally weak
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator uses dynamic folding mechanisms that provide structural strength when deployed but allow compact storage when collapsed. The hinge connections and interlocking features ensure adequate strength during the dispensing operation while maintaining a simple single-use design.
4Ease of operation
If the dispenser requires direct contact with the toilet bowl surface, then the application process is simple, but user comfort is compromised due to undesirable contact
Solution Approach 1:
A release film is introduced as an intermediary between the adhesive composition and the applicator cavity. This film allows the adhesive to be transferred to the toilet bowl surface without the user's fingers needing to contact the bowl, eliminating direct skin contact with the interior surface while maintaining simple application.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If a release film is added to prevent direct contact, then user comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release film serves as a simple intermediary layer that can be easily applied to the cavity interior or attached to the adhesive composition container. This addition prevents direct contact between the user and the toilet bowl while maintaining overall device simplicity through the use of a single functional component.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A dispenser comprising a base (9), a cavity (4) having an opening (2), disposed within said base, a material (60) to be dispensed disposed within said cavity; one or more foldable arms (6,8) hingedly attached to said base; wherein in an initial configuration said one or more arms extend outwardly from and generally coplanar with said base and in a second subsequent configuration said one or more arms are folded rearwardly of said base so that at least a portion of said one or more arms extends behind said opening of said cavity. Further, a dispenser comprising a base; a cavity having an opening disposed within said base; a material to be dispensed disposed within said cavity; one or more foldable arms hingedly attached to said base; wherein in an initial configuration said one or more arms are folded forwardly of said base so that at least a portion of said one or more arms forms a cover means over the opening of said cavity, and in a second subsequent configuration said one or more arms extend outwardly from and generally coplanar with said base.