Modular Dispenser Assembly With Interlocking Horizontal And Vertical Securing Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-adhesive label dispensers are limited in flexibility, as they require multiple assemblies when the number of dispensers exceeds or is less than the capacity of a plastic box, leading to improper securing and potential falling of dispensers.

Innovation Solution

A modular dispenser design featuring interchangeable shells with horizontal and vertical securing mechanisms, allowing for flexible grouping in both horizontal and vertical directions, enabling secure stacking and arrangement of any number of dispensers without the need for additional assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed number of dispensers are arranged in a plastic box, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability is poor when the number of dispensers needs to be changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in number of dispensersVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into two separable shells that can be assembled and disassembled. Each shell can independently hold dispensers, and the shells can be combined in different configurations to accommodate varying numbers of dispensers, enabling flexible adaptation without requiring complete restructuring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized shell design with universal securing means (studs and housings) allows the same housing structure to accommodate different numbers and arrangements of dispensers. The securing mechanism works consistently across different configurations, making the system multi-functional and adaptable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If more dispensers are placed in a single assembly, then fewer assemblies are needed, but the securing reliability decreases as dispensers may not be properly held

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of dispensers per assemblyVSAvoidsecuring reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing system operates in multiple dimensions: horizontal securing means (studs and housings) secure dispensers within a shell horizontally, while vertical securing means secure dispensers vertically. This multi-dimensional securing approach maintains reliability even as the number of dispensers increases across different spatial arrangements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If fewer dispensers are placed in an assembly, then securing is easier, but the device complexity increases due to need for multiple assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of securingVSAvoidnumber of assemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple shells can be combined to form a single integrated housing structure that accommodates various numbers of dispensers. The standardized securing means allow shells to be easily assembled and disassembled, maintaining ease of operation while reducing the need for multiple separate assemblies through flexible combination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2483172B1Dispensing assembly
Publication Date: 2014.11.05 HLC MODELAGE EBROICIEN
  • EP2483172B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispensing assembly comprising a plurality of dispensers (100), each dispenser (100) being in the form of a housing (102) for containing a dispensing element, and comprising horizontal securing means (108, 110) for engaging with complementary horizontal securing means (110, 108) of an adjacent dispenser (100) in a horizontal grouping direction, as well as vertical securing means (118, 120) for engaging with complementary vertical securing means (120, 118) of a dispenser (100b) of a higher row, and/or with complementary vertical securing means (120, 118) of dispenser (100a) of a lower row, in a vertical grouping direction (116).