Multi-Dose Wipe Dispensing With Point-of-Use Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wipe dispensing systems face issues such as fluid degradation, chemical interactions between wipes and fluids leading to reduced efficacy, limited flexibility in chemical formulations, and impractical use of fluid combinations due to long residence times, which restrict the types of wipes and fluids that can be used.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system that stores wipes and fluids in isolation within separate reservoirs, with pumps activating to dose the wipes with fluids only at the point of dispensation, allowing for various fluid combinations and extended storage without degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wipes are pre-wetted with fluid and stored together in the dispensing device, then the wipes are ready for immediate use, but the fluid degrades over time and chemically interacts with the wipe substrate reducing efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device is segmented into separate compartments: a fluid reservoir and a wipe storage compartment. This physical separation prevents the fluid and wipes from contacting each other during storage, eliminating chemical interactions and fluid degradation while maintaining operational readiness through the pump system that delivers fluid to wipes at the point of dispensing.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If wipes are stored with fluid for extended periods, then convenient storage is achieved, but the fluid and wipe substrate degrade chemically over time
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the storage system into separate fluid and wipe compartments, the invention enables extended storage duration without chemical degradation. The pump mechanism ensures that fluid is only introduced to wipes at the moment of dispensing, allowing both materials to maintain their efficacy properties throughout the storage period.
3Device complexity
If conventional wipe dispensing systems use pre-wetted wipes, then simple dispensing is achieved, but flexibility in chemical formulations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of fluid and wipe storage enables the use of diverse chemical formulations in the fluid reservoir without compromising wipe integrity during storage. The pump system maintains dispensing simplicity by automatically delivering the appropriate fluid to the wipe at the point of use, thereby achieving both formulation flexibility and operational simplicity.
4Reliability
If fluid combinations are used for enhanced efficacy, then cleaning performance is improved, but the fluid combination becomes ineffective after limited time due to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prepares the fluid combination in advance in the reservoir at concentrations optimized for cleaning efficacy, then uses the pump system to deliver the precise amount to the wipe at the moment of dispensing. This preliminary preparation combined with on-demand delivery extends the useful life of the fluid combination by preventing premature degradation that would occur with continuous contact between fluid and wipe substrate.
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
Enables the use of diverse fluid combinations and extended storage without material degradation, enhancing the efficacy and flexibility of wipes and fluids, and allowing for previously unattainable functionalities in conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pump operably connected to the fluid reservoir and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber so as to pressurize the fluid in the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle in fluid communication with the mixing bowl so that the mixed fluids can be directed onto the wipe
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a wipe dispensing system includes a housing that defines an internal wipe storage area, a mixing element having an opening that communicates with the wipe storage area, a fluid reservoir disposed within the housing, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir, a nozzle in communication with the pump and located proximate the opening of the mixing element such that an outlet of the nozzle is in communication with the opening of the mixing element, and a pump actuation mechanism operably connected with the pump and responsive to initiation of the dispensation of a wipe from the wipe dispensing system.