Paper Stick Dispenser Sleeve Locking Against Cap Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stick product dispensers made of plastics face issues with excessive plastic usage and inadvertent retraction of the product concealing sleeve due to frictional forces when the cap is applied.
Innovation Solution
A card-based or paper-based dispenser with a locking arrangement using facing edges on the product concealing sleeve and stick carrier that selectively locks or unlocks the sleeve in an extended position, preventing retraction through rotational alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap is placed onto the dispenser, then the dispenser is sealed and protected, but frictional forces cause the product concealing sleeve to be pushed from its extended position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement is designed to counteract the frictional forces generated during cap application. The edges are positioned and dimensioned to engage precisely when the sleeve is in the extended position, creating a mechanical lock that prevents the sleeve from being pushed proximally during normal cap-on operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking edges act as an intermediary mechanism between the sleeve and the cap application force. Rather than allowing direct interaction between the cap and sleeve that would cause unintended retraction, the edges provide a mediating locking action that maintains sleeve position while still permitting cap placement.
2Ease of operation
If the product concealing sleeve is made retractable to allow product access, then user convenience is improved, but inadvertent retraction occurs due to frictional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement provides dynamic control over sleeve retraction. The edges are designed to engage only when the sleeve is in the extended position, allowing intentional retraction when needed while automatically preventing inadvertent retraction during normal use. The system transitions between locked and unlocked states based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge engagement provides tactile feedback to the user about the sleeve's operational state. When the edges engage, the user can feel the locking action, confirming that the sleeve is secured in the extended position. This feedback mechanism helps users understand when the sleeve is locked and when it can be freely retracted.
3Strength
If plastic material is used in the dispenser, then structural strength is achieved, but environmental sustainability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from plastic to card-based or paper-based material. By adjusting the structural parameters of the dispenser components, the design achieves sufficient strength for its intended use while eliminating plastic usage. The locking edges and overall structure are optimized to function effectively with these alternative materials.
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 solution effectively prevents inadvertent retraction of the product concealing sleeve, reducing plastic usage and ensuring the sleeve remains in the extended position until intentionally retracted, enhancing user control and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
when a cap is placed onto the dispenser, frictional forces can cause the product concealing sleeve to be pushed (proximally) from its extended, concealing position
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided herein a dispenser (2) formed of card-based or paper-based material for a product in stick form (12). The dispenser includes a product stick carrier (8), an outer sleeve (4), a product concealing sleeve (6), a first proximal facing edge (30), a second proximal facing edge (34), a first distal facing edge (32), and a second distal facing edge (36). The product stick carrier is in the form of a cylindrical tube and includes a product stick support for supporting a product stick in use. The outer sleeve is in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier. The product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve. The product concealing sleeve is in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially inwardly of the outer sleeve and radially outwardly of the product stick carrier. The product concealing sleeve is retractable from a first, fully extended axial position relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier for concealing a product stick supported by the product stick support in use in order to expose the product stick. The first and second proximal facing edges and the first and second distal facing edges are disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier and radially inwardly of the product concealing sleeve. The first proximal facing edge is fixed with respect to the first distal facing edge and the product stick carrier. The second proximal facing edge is fixed with respect to the second distal facing edge and the product concealing sleeve. The first proximal facing edge and the second distal facing edge cooperate with one another to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier beyond a set point so as to define the first, fully extended position. The first distal facing edge and the second proximal facing edge cooperate with one another to selectively prevent or allow retraction of the product concealing sleeve from the first, fully extended position, wherein the selection of preventing or allowing retraction is determined by a rotational position of the product concealing sleeve with respect to the product stick carrier.