Linear Sliding Dispenser for Compact Appliance Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic liquid dispensers require significant space for retractable nozzles or dispensers that move along curved paths, making them larger and less aesthetically pleasing.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a dispensing member that moves along a linear path between retracted and extended positions, allowing for a more compact design and reducing the need for extensive space, featuring a slideable mechanism and a drive system that includes an electric motor and gearing arrangement for efficient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retractable dispenser moves along a curved path between open and closed positions, then the dispenser can be retracted into the appliance, but sufficient space is required for the curved path movement and drive means, resulting in a larger appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional curved path approach by using a linear sliding path for the dispensing member. This linear motion eliminates the need for curved space and complex cam mechanisms, reducing the overall appliance volume while maintaining retractability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the conventional curved arc motion for retraction, the patent inverts the approach by implementing linear reciprocating motion. This inversion simplifies the drive mechanism and reduces the space required for the retractable dispenser system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable nozzle moves along a curved path, then the nozzle can be retracted for cleanliness, but complex drive means such as cams or pivots are required, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional cam or pivot-based curved motion mechanism by using a simple linear sliding mechanism. This inversion dramatically reduces the complexity of the drive means while achieving the same retraction function for cleanliness purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex cam and pivot components from the drive mechanism, replacing them with a simpler linear sliding arrangement. This extraction of unnecessary complex elements reduces device complexity while maintaining the retraction functionality.
3Productivity
If the dispensing member projects from the casing, then fluid can be dispensed, but the appliance appearance is less clean and the dispensing aperture is exposed to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic dispensing member that can slide between retracted and extended positions. When not in use, the dispensing member retracts to protect the dispensing aperture from contamination and maintain a clean appearance. When needed, it extends to enable fluid dispensing, thus dynamically adapting to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing member is preliminarily positioned in a retracted state when not in use, which prevents contamination of the dispensing aperture before the dispensing operation actually begins. This preliminary retraction protects the aperture in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance has a casing and a dispenser. The dispenser includes a dispensing member for dispensing a fluid and is movable between a first position in which at least a part of the dispensing member is located within the casing and a second position in which the dispensing member projects from the casing. The dispensing member is slideable between the first and second positions along a linear path. By providing such an arrangement, the dispenser is able to move along the shortest path between the first and second positions, reducing the space necessary in the appliance to allow the dispenser to move and allowing the drive mechanisms to be correspondingly smaller.