Refill Cartridge Container Structure for Leak-Safe Wipe Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refillable containers for wiping substrates are difficult to refill, prone to leakage, and have poor fit issues, making them unsatisfactory for both storage and dispensing, especially when handling premoistened wipes.
Innovation Solution
A refillable container system comprising a container base with a partially open bottom, a removable and elevated refill cartridge, and a lid that securely connects to the base, allowing easy access and removal of the cartridge without direct handling of the substrate, while maintaining moisture containment and facilitating stable storage and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refill packs are provided in flexible film packaging inserted directly into the container, then consumer cost is reduced, but the packaging is difficult to install and prone to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the refilling process into separate components: a durable container and removable refill cartridges. The cartridge is segmented from the packaging material, allowing it to be handled as a discrete unit that can be easily removed and replaced without dealing with flexible film packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill cartridge acts as an intermediary between the consumer and the substrate. Instead of handling flexible film packs directly, the consumer handles the rigid cartridge which provides structural integrity and prevents leakage while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If refill packs are provided in flexible film packaging, then consumer cost is reduced, but the pack fits poorly in the container after majority of wipes are dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The refill cartridge is designed with dynamic adaptability through its rigid structure that can be compressed or adjusted to fit the container at different stages of usage. The cartridge maintains proper fit whether the container is full or nearly empty, eliminating the time loss associated with poor fitting refill packs.
3Ease of operation
If the consumer handles the substrate directly when refilling, then refilling simplicity is maintained, but consumer satisfaction decreases due to direct contact requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The refill cartridge serves as an intermediary that eliminates direct contact between the consumer and the substrate. The consumer handles only the external portion of the cartridge, which is designed for easy gripping and manipulation, while the substrate remains protected inside until dispensing.
4Reliability
If welded seams are used to seal the refill pack, then packaging integrity is achieved, but leakage occurs particularly with premoistened wipes
Solution Approach 1:
The refill cartridge utilizes a rigid shell structure instead of flexible film with welded seams. This rigid construction provides inherent leakage prevention while maintaining packaging integrity, particularly for premoistened wipes where liquid containment is critical.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed to a container and dispensing system, and more particularly to a refillable container that includes a container base having a partially open bottom, a refill cartridge disposed in the container base and covering at least a portion of the open bottom, and a lid. Providing a container base with a partially open bottom provides the user with an easy means of removing the refill cartridge, as the user may simply contact the refill cartridge through the bottom opening and push it upward through the open top of the container.