Dispensing system with securement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems for soap, oils, and production chemicals are complex, time-consuming to fill, prone to mechanical issues, and lack security features, making them difficult to maintain and potentially hazardous, especially in industrial settings where ISO certification is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing system with a vacuum dispensing tube and securement element that allows easy visual checking of fluid levels, secure container attachment, and simple refilling, featuring a self-sealing aperture closure and optional lock-and-key security, which can be retro-fitted to existing systems and manufactured at low cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art dispensers use complex pressuring systems to dispense liquid, then the liquid can be available at several areas within a production facility, but mechanical difficulties and rapid breakdown occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex pressuring system and pump mechanisms from the dispenser, extracting only the essential function of liquid transfer. The simplified design uses gravity and manual pouring to move liquid from the supply container to the dispensing nozzle, eliminating mechanical components that cause breakdown while maintaining the ability to serve multiple areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or easily replaceable nozzle cartridge that can be quickly changed without complex tools. This disposable component approach reduces mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements, allowing frequent replacement without substantial labor, thereby improving reliability while maintaining versatility.
2Strength
If dispensers are mounted close to the wall for secure installation, then wall mounting is achieved, but it becomes difficult to service or replace parts and feed product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dispenser into modular segments: a wall-mounted housing that remains fixed for secure installation, and a removable service module containing the nozzle and liquid reservoir. This segmentation allows the mounted portion to stay securely attached while the service module can be easily detached for maintenance, part replacement, and refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a removable intermediate module that acts as a mediator between the fixed wall-mounted housing and the liquid supply. This intermediate module can be easily detached and replaced, providing access for servicing and refilling while the main housing remains securely mounted to the wall, thus resolving the conflict between secure installation and ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard screw fittings are used for container caps, then filling is possible, but the filling operation is time-consuming and messy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pre-engineered quick-connect interface that replicates the essential function of screw fittings but with a simplified mechanism. The interface uses a push-to-connect or bayonet-style coupling that mimics the secure connection needed for filling but eliminates the time-consuming threading operation, reducing filling time and preventing spills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-aligned guide features and pre-positioned sealing elements in the quick-connect interface. These preliminary design actions ensure that when the supply container is connected to the dispenser, the liquid flow path is automatically aligned and sealed, enabling rapid filling without the time-consuming manual alignment and threading required by standard screw fittings.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex dispensers with many parts are used, then dispensing functionality is achieved, but assembly entails substantial labour and health and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the nozzle, liquid reservoir, and dispensing mechanism are merged into a single pre-assembled cartridge module. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts from dozens to just a few modular components, dramatically reducing assembly labor while maintaining full dispensing functionality and enabling easy replacement of the entire module rather than individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal quick-connect interface and standardized cartridge dimensions that can accommodate different liquid types and dispensing requirements. This universal design allows the same basic dispenser housing to serve multiple functions and applications by simply changing the cartridge module, reducing the need for multiple specialized parts and assemblies while maintaining adaptability to various dispensing needs.
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 system provides a secure, easy-to-maintain, and cost-effective solution for dispensing liquids, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations by allowing easy level checks and secure fluid management, reducing the risk of unauthorized use and mechanical failures.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum dispensing tube which has an outlet pipe; wherein the container is operably engaged with the vacuum dispensing tube by means of an inlet tube of the vacuum dispensing tube being inserted into the container
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to dispensing systems that include containers used to contain fluids that need to be dispensed in controlled quantities. In particular, the present invention relates to a dispensing system which can be readily and securely fastened to the walls and other operating surfaces associated with bathrooms, changing rooms, machine shops and the like. In water closets at places of work, hospitals, laboratories, workshops and similar places, there are many individuals who require access to liquids such as liquid soap, oils and production process chemicals etc. usually have a reservoir that must be filled from a larger supply container. The filling operation tends to be complicated and thus time-consuming and with the likelihood of the creation of a mess. It is often difficult to feed the product directly into the dispenser container by pouring the liquid from a big supply tank. It is important that the fluids - whether for lubricating, cleaning or production processes - are managed such that only the correct fluids are. In the installation of a liquid dispensing system, factors of convenience in ensuring that the dispensers are maintained at a suitable level must be weighed against security of product. Many "universal" systems relinquish security and stock control and/or are complex to utilise. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide a dispensing system and a container that enables simple checking of fluid levels and simple re-filling thereof.