dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet wipes are not biodegradable, causing environmental issues, and alternative gel applications on toilet paper face challenges in achieving even and correct gel distribution for effective use.
Innovation Solution
An applicator with a pump, actuator, and application surface featuring multiple apertures for uniform gel distribution, along with a splitter section to ensure equal gel dispensing through each aperture, allowing for one-handed operation and secure gel containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If gel is applied manually to toilet paper, then the environmental benefit is achieved, but the gel distribution is uneven and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The application surface is divided into multiple apertures (e.g., 6 apertures arranged at regular intervals around the outer edge) that distribute gel simultaneously across different zones of the toilet paper, ensuring uniform coverage without manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
A splitter section is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump and apertures. This splitter section receives gel from the pump and automatically divides it into equal portions for each aperture, guaranteeing consistent gel distribution while simplifying the user's operation to merely actuating the pump
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple apertures are used for gel dispensing, then gel distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The application surface serves multiple functions: it acts as the dispensing interface, provides structural support for the apertures, and the splitter section integrated within it performs both flow distribution and structural alignment functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The splitter section is merged with the application surface structure rather than being a separate component. The apertures are directly formed in or attached to the application surface, and the splitter channels are integrated within the same structural element, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining precise gel distribution
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
The applicator ensures even and consistent gel application onto toilet paper, providing effective wet wipe properties while addressing environmental concerns through biodegradable gel usage.
Implementation Method 1
a pump, an actuator, and an application surface having a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures allow the gel to be easily distributed over the area of a regular square of toilet paper. When the pump is fed with gel, actuation of the actuator causes the pump to move gel through the apertures so that gel is dispensed simultaneously through each of the apertures
Implementation Method 2
the applicator further comprises a gel conduit between the pump and the apertures which comprises a splitter section for splitting a flow of gel into equal parts and directing those equal parts to corresponding apertures
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator (1) for applying a gel to a sheet of paper, having a pump (5), an actuator (6), and an application surface (3) having a plurality of apertures (4). When the pump is fed with gel, actuation of the actuator causes the pump to move gel through the apertures so that gel is dispensed simultaneously through each of the apertures. The applicator can be used to create a bio-degradable wet-wipe.