Refillable Fluid Container Design to Reduce Dispenser Waste

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cartridge-based soap dispensers use disposable refill cartridges that are single-use and cannot be refilled, leading to excess waste and increased costs due to the need for frequent replacements.

Innovation Solution

A fluid dispenser system with first and second fluid containers where the output port of the second container can be inserted into the input port of the first container, allowing for the dispensing mechanism to move into an open position and facilitate the refilling of the first container with fluid from the second container, enabling cost-effective and less wasteful refills.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If disposable refill cartridges are used, then the dispenser can be refilled, but the cartridges cannot be refilled again leading to waste and frequent replacements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewasteVSAvoidrefill capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a reusable dispenser body and replaceable fluid containers. The dispenser body contains the dispensing mechanism and can accept different fluid containers, separating the reusable components from the consumable fluid storage, enabling refilling without replacing the entire cartridge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid container is designed to be inserted into the dispenser housing, with the container nested within the dispenser body. The output port of one container interfaces with the input port of another, allowing nested refilling where a second container refills a first container that remains installed in the dispenser

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If disposable refill cartridges are used, then refilling is possible, but frequent replacements increase costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidcartridge lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of discarding the entire cartridge when fluid is depleted, the system allows recovery and reuse of the dispenser body and dispensing mechanism. The fluid container can be emptied into another container, recovering the value of the dispenser components and reducing the need for frequent replacements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables preliminary refilling where a second fluid container can be used to refill the first container before the first is completely depleted. This preliminary action extends the operational lifespan of the dispenser system and reduces frequent replacement needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a refilling mechanism is added, then refills are enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefill functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refilling process is designed to be self-service, where the user simply inserts the second fluid container into the dispenser and the refilling occurs automatically through the interface of output and input ports. The system performs the refilling action without requiring complex external mechanisms or additional operational steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The refilling function is merged with the existing container insertion and dispensing mechanisms. The output port of one container and input port of another are configured to interface directly, combining the refilling function with the existing structural elements rather than adding separate complex refilling apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system allows for efficient and cost-effective refilling of the first fluid container from the second, reducing waste by allowing refills rather than replacing entire cartridges, making it a more sustainable option compared to conventional disposable refill cartridges.

Implementation Method 1

An input port is in fluid communication with the reservoir. An output port is in fluid communication with the reservoir.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Data Source

PatentUS10688507B2Fluid dispenser and first and second fluid containers for a fluid dispenser

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 GOJO IND INC

AI summary

A refillable fluid container for a fluid dispenser is provided. The refillable fluid dispenser includes a body, an output port and a dispensing mechanism. The body includes at least one wall that defines a reservoir for storing fluid therein. The output port is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The dispensing mechanism is associated with the output port. The dispensing mechanism is selectively operable between a closed position and an opened position. A fluid dispenser is also provided.