Lockable Push Button Dispenser with Activation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volatile composition dispensers lack a clear indication of activation to users, leading to consumer dissatisfaction and difficulties in detecting tampering or malfunctioning devices.
Innovation Solution
A volatile composition dispenser with a lockable push button mechanism, where the button is configured to move within a housing frame, featuring protrusions that prevent the button from returning to its initial position once activated, providing a visual signal of activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push button actuator is used to initiate dispensing, then the device can be manually activated, but users cannot easily determine whether the device is activated until they smell the composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by providing a visual indicator (such as a colored window or changing color element) that changes appearance when the device is activated. This allows users to immediately see the activation status without needing to smell the composition, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by creating a visual confirmation system that provides immediate feedback to users when the device is activated. The visual indicator gives users real-time information about the device state, eliminating the delay and uncertainty associated with waiting to smell the composition to confirm activation.
2Reliability
If a push button is used without locking mechanism, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot detect tampering or inadvertent activation during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the button mechanism into separate functional components: the push button itself, the locking mechanism with protrusions, and the visual indicator system. This modular approach allows the device to detect tampering and inadvertent activation through the locking mechanism while keeping each component relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a visual indicator that shows the activation status before the device is actually used. This allows retail store owners and users to verify that the device has not been tampered with or inadvertently activated during handling and transportation, improving reliability without significantly complicating the overall device.
3Loss of information
If the button can return to initial position after activation, then the device allows repeated use, but it cannot provide clear visual signal of activation state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes through a visual indicator that changes appearance when the device is activated, providing clear visual feedback about the activation state. This resolves the information loss problem while the locking mechanism ensures the button remains in the activated position, preventing repeated accidental activations and maintaining adaptability for intentional repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements asymmetry through the locking mechanism with protrusions that allow the button to be pushed in easily but prevent it from returning to its initial position. This asymmetric design provides clear visual signaling of activation status while maintaining the capability for repeated intentional use by the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is a volatile composition dispenser (1) comprising a housing (10) comprising a rear frame (200) having a frame opening (201), and an inner wall (40). A push button (20) is movably disposed in the frame opening (201) and the inner wall (40) and is configured to be movable with respect to the inner wall (40) from a first position to a second position wherein the push button (20) is interlocked with the inner wall (40) in the second position.