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

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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 wastefulness 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 transfer of fluid from the second container into the first container, enabling refilling without the need for disposable cartridges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If disposable refill cartridges are used, then the dispenser can be easily refilled, but the cartridges cannot be refilled and must be replaced frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of refillingVSAvoidwaste from disposable cartridges

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables recovery and reuse of fluid containers through a refill mechanism. The second container refills the first container, allowing the system to recover and reuse containers rather than discarding them after single use, directly addressing the waste problem of disposable cartridges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Device complexity

If disposable refill cartridges are used, then the dispenser structure can be simple, but the frequency of replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of dispenser structureVSAvoidtime for frequent replacements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through an automated refill mechanism where the dispensing mechanism automatically transfers fluid from the second container to the first container. This eliminates the need for manual intervention in the refilling process, reducing the time and effort required for replacements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If single-use cartridges are used, then manufacturing costs per unit can be low, but the overall cost increases due to frequent replacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing cost per cartridgeVSAvoidtotal fluid capacity over time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a nested configuration where the second container is positioned to refill the first container through a shared dispensing mechanism. This nested arrangement allows one container to serve multiple purposes (both dispensing and refilling), maximizing the utilization of fluid capacity over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11484896B2Fluid dispenser and first and second fluid containers for a fluid dispenser

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 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.