Refillable Fluid Dispenser With Removable Insert and Reusable Outer Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid substance dispensing devices are often discarded after use, and refilling operations are complex or not feasible, leading to waste and inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A refillable fluid substance dispensing device comprising a reusable outer container and a removable intermediate element that supports an inner container and pump, allowing easy refilling and repurposing of the outer container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the device is designed as a single-use disposable unit, then the structure can be simple and inexpensive, but it causes waste and inefficient resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three distinct components: a reusable outer container, a removable intermediate element, and an inner container with pump. This segmentation allows the outer container to be reused multiple times while the inner container and pump are replaced, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables recovery and reuse of the outer container and intermediate element after the fluid substance is dispensed. The outer container can be refilled or repurposed, while the inner container with pump is discarded, eliminating waste of valuable components.
2Loss of substance
If refilling systems are implemented, then resource utilization improves, but the refilling operation becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the outer container from the inner container and pump, the refilling operation is simplified to merely removing the intermediate element and inserting a new inner container, eliminating complex refilling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate element is extracted as a separate removable component, allowing users to easily remove it and replace the inner container without dealing with complex sealing or attachment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the outer container is designed with functional reliefs for coupling, then it can securely attach components, but it cannot be repurposed after use
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling reliefs are segmented and placed only on the intermediate element rather than the outer container. This allows the outer container to be repurposed while the intermediate element with its specialized coupling features is replaced with each inner container.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate element is designed with local functional features (coupling reliefs, sealing surfaces) concentrated in specific areas, while the outer container maintains a simple, versatile geometry suitable for repurposing.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the device uses a deformable bag with airless pump, then the substance is protected from air contamination, but the entire device must be discarded after use
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the protective function (deformable bag with airless pump) from the container structure. The inner container with pump maintains the airless configuration for contamination protection, while the outer container becomes a reusable, repurposable vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the inner container with pump is discarded after use, while the outer container and intermediate element are recovered for reuse. This maintains the airless protection benefit while eliminating waste of the outer container.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dispensing a fluid substance includes a cup-shaped outer container of glass, metal, or wood, and an intermediate element of plastic and configured to attach removably to the outer container and support at least an inner container and a hand pump coupled to the inner container for dispensing a substance contained therein, the outer container featuring a bottom and a side wall featuring a free end which defines an opening of the outer container, the side wall totally devoid of depressions or macroscopic reliefs that are functional to the coupling to the intermediate element, the intermediate element including a stop abutting on the free end of the side wall and at least a liner configured to penetrate the opening, the liner supporting at least an elastic element configured to friction couple to a part inside the container, on the said side wall.