Refillable Container Integration Device for Moist Tissue Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disposable moist toilet tissue containers are not refillable, aesthetically pleasing, and lack structural integrity for long-term use, failing to match bathroom decor and provide convenient replacement options.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for integrating a container with a device that includes a lid coupled to a first member, allowing the lid to transition between closed and open positions, and a lock device to secure the container in place, enabling refillability and aesthetic customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If disposable containers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but refillability and long-term usage are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcontainer usage duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The container system is divided into two main segments: a reusable outer container housing and disposable inner cartridges. This segmentation allows the housing to be manufactured once and reused, while only the consumable cartridge needs frequent replacement, combining manufacturing simplicity with long-term usability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer container housing is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different cartridge types through standardized interface features. This multi-functionality allows a single housing to serve indefinitely by simply replacing cartridges, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and duration of use

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

2Device complexity

If disposable containers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but aesthetic customization and refilling capability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer system complexityVSAvoidaesthetic customization and refilling
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the container into a permanent housing and replaceable cartridges, the system achieves low complexity in the housing design while enabling high adaptability through cartridge variety. Users can customize aesthetics by selecting different cartridge colors or designs without changing the housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge acts as an intermediary element between the user and the housing. It provides the interface for refilling and aesthetic customization, allowing users to change appearance and supply content without modifying the housing structure, thus maintaining simplicity while enabling versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple container structures are used, then manufacturing ease is improved, but structural integrity for long-term dispensing is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer manufacturing easeVSAvoidcontainer structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The structural integrity requirement is concentrated in the reusable housing, which is manufactured once with robust construction for long-term mounting and dispensing. The disposable cartridges have simpler structures optimized for their limited use cycle, allowing each component to be manufactured appropriately without compromising overall strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing and cartridge are merged into an integrated system where the housing provides the strong structural framework for mounting and dispensing mechanics, while the cartridge provides the consumable supply. This combination allows the permanent structural elements to be optimized for strength while the replaceable elements are optimized for manufacturing ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3166462B1Container integration device and method of use
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 NICE PAK PRODUCTS INC
  • EP3166462B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3166462B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3166462B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An integration device and method of use is provided. The device includes a first member having a lock device; a second member coupled to the first member, wherein the second member receives a container therein having a cover, the first member being movable with respect to the second member between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the cover cooperates with the lock device to lock the first member with the second member in the closed configuration; and a lid coupled to the first member, wherein the lid is engageable with a top tray of the cover to transition the cover between a closed position and an open position.