Interconnected Wipe Stack Layout for Reliable Pop-Up Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wet wipe dispensers often experience issues with 'multiples' and 'fallbacks' due to ineffective connections between wipes, leading to inconsistent and unreliable single-handed dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A stack of interconnected wipes with alternating or same-side connections via transverse intermittent cut lines, where each wipe is connected on only one side, and the connections are strategically positioned to facilitate reliable pop-up dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional connections between wipes are used (excessive adhesive or insufficient perforations), then the wipes remain connected too strongly, but this causes multiples to be pulled out in a single operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between wipes has non-uniform strength distribution: strong adhesive bonding in the central region maintains connection during storage and handling, while weak perforated regions at the edges allow controlled separation during dispensing. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction by providing both strong overall connection and reliable single-wipe separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: a strong central adhesive bonding region and weaker perforated edge regions. This segmentation allows the connection to exhibit different mechanical properties in different locations, enabling both strong retention and controlled release during dispensing operations.
2Ease of operation
If the dispensing orifice is made large to allow easy wipe removal, then dispensing is easier, but the succeeding wipe cannot be held in place and falls back into the container
Solution Approach 1:
The wipe connection geometry is asymmetric with respect to the dispensing orifice: the leading end of the succeeding wipe is positioned to extend beyond the orifice plane while the trailing end remains constrained within the container. This asymmetric positioning allows the orifice to serve dual functions: facilitating easy removal of the leading wipe while simultaneously acting as a stop to prevent fallback of the succeeding wipe.
3Ease of operation
If the connection between wipes is made weak to allow easy separation, then single-handed dispensing is easier, but the wipes may break free prematurely before the leading wipe is fully withdrawn
Solution Approach 1:
The perforated regions are pre-formed in the wipe material at locations that will become the separation points during dispensing. These preliminary structural weaknesses are strategically positioned so that they will fail in the desired sequence: only after the leading wipe is fully withdrawn from the container, preventing premature breakage while enabling easy separation at the correct moment.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional symmetric connections are used on both sides of the stack, then manufacturing is simpler, but the dispensing geometry becomes ineffective for reliable pop-up action
Solution Approach 1:
The connection geometry is made asymmetric relative to the dispensing orifice position: connections on one side of the wipe stack are positioned at different locations and with different strengths compared to connections on the opposite side. This asymmetry creates a geometric effect where the leading end of the succeeding wipe is positioned to extend beyond the orifice plane, enabling reliable pop-up dispensing action while maintaining manufacturability through systematic connection patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of stacked, interconnected wipes that collectively define a stack. Each wipe is connected to at least one other wipe on only one of the right side and the left side of the stack via a connection. In particular embodiments, immediately successive connections in a stacked direction are on alternating right and left sides of the stack. In other embodiments, immediately successive connections in a stacked direction are on the same side of the stack.