Dispenser with suction cups
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensers for hygienic articles require cumbersome and time-consuming screw or bolt fastening to vertical surfaces, especially difficult in moist environments like bathrooms, and are not secure against detachment under user forces, and lack easy relocation options.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser using suction cups with an internal operating mechanism to create sub-atmospheric pressure for secure attachment to surfaces without altering the wall, featuring a lockable cover to restrict unauthorized detachment, allowing for flexible and reliable placement and relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or bolts are used to fasten the dispenser to the wall, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring bore holes in the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw/bolt fastening system with a suction-based attachment system. The suction cups create a vacuum seal against the wall surface, generating holding force through pressure differential rather than mechanical threading. This substitution eliminates the need for bore holes and complex installation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using suction cups that create a vacuum seal against the wall. The suction mechanism generates a pressure differential (sub-atmospheric pressure inside the cup versus atmospheric pressure outside) that produces the holding force necessary for secure attachment, replacing mechanical fastening with pneumatic adhesion.
2Reliability
If bore holes are prepared in tiled or water-tight surfaces for screw fastening, then secure attachment is achieved, but moisture intrusion occurs and the surface is permanently altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical penetration (screws through bore holes) with non-invasive pneumatic adhesion (suction cups). The suction cups attach to the intact surface without creating openings, thereby preventing moisture intrusion into the wall structure and avoiding permanent surface alteration.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup acts as an intermediary between the dispenser and the wall surface. It creates a temporary, reversible connection through vacuum adhesion without directly penetrating or damaging the wall, allowing secure attachment while preserving the integrity of the water-tight surface.
3Ease of operation
If conventional suction cups are used for attachment, then easy installation is achieved, but the dispenser cannot resist considerable forces from user actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment function into multiple independent suction cups rather than relying on a single attachment point. This segmentation distributes the load and detachment forces across multiple cups, increasing overall holding strength and resistance to user actions while maintaining easy installation of each individual cup.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cups are made from composite or specially formulated materials that combine flexibility for sealing with durability for force resistance. The material composition enables the cups to withstand considerable detachment forces while maintaining their suction capability and ease of installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the dispenser is made easily detachable for relocation, then flexibility is improved, but unauthorized removal becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a lockable cover as a preliminary security measure. The cover can be locked to prevent access to the suction cups, thereby preventing unauthorized removal before the dispenser is officially relocated. Authorized personnel can unlock and remove the cover to detach the dispenser when relocation is intended.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockable cover acts as an intermediary security layer between the user and the suction cups. It controls access to the attachment mechanism, allowing legitimate relocation while blocking unauthorized removal attempts, thus reconciling flexibility with security.
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, secure, and cost-effective attachment to various surfaces without visible marks, resisting user forces and allowing authorized personnel to relocate the dispenser as needed, while preventing unauthorized removal.
Implementation Method 1
the operating means are provided for actuating the suction unit so as to create and maintain a sub-atmospheric pressure or underpressure between the suction unit and the facing fastening surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A dispenser (2) for hygienic articles, in particular for disposable hygienic articles such as wipes, towels, toilet paper or soap, includes a dispenser housing (4) for containing said articles, and means for fastening the dispenser (2) to a fastening surface. These fastening means include a suction unit (50) disposed on the outside of the dispenser (2) facing the fastening surface. The fastening means further comprise operating means (60), by means of which the suction unit (50) is operable so as to establish or release a sub-atmospheric pressure between the suction unit (50) and the fastening surface. Access to the operating means (60) is provided from inside the dispenser (2).