Refillable Roll-On Dispenser with Scissor Lift Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of disposable plastic canisters for deodorant and similar substances contributes significantly to landfill waste due to their non-biodegradable nature and the volume they occupy, highlighting a need for a more sustainable dispenser solution.
Innovation Solution
A refillable dispenser housing with a movable dispenser base, scissor lift mechanism, and biodegradable components that allows for repeated use and easy refilling, reducing waste by using biodegradable materials and a collapsible cartridge system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If disposable plastic canisters are used for deodorant and similar substances, then the dispenser is inexpensive and functional, but it creates significant landfill waste due to non-biodegradable nature and interior volume requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into two separate components: a reusable housing and a disposable cartridge. The housing contains the dispensing mechanism and can be refilled multiple times, while the cartridge holds the consumable product and is discarded after use. This segmentation allows the expensive, waste-generating housing to be reused while only the small, biodegradable cartridge is discarded, significantly reducing landfill waste compared to disposing of entire canisters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables recovery and reuse of the housing component. After the cartridge is depleted, the housing is retained and refilled with a new cartridge, rather than being discarded. This recovering approach extends the product lifecycle of the housing, reducing the frequency of disposal and minimizing landfill accumulation while maintaining functionality.
2Loss of substance
If biodegradable components are used in the dispenser, then landfill waste is reduced, but the structural integrity and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the functional requirements into two parts: the housing, which can be made from durable, biodegradable materials designed for repeated use and refilling, and the cartridge, which is made from biodegradable materials optimized for containing the consumable product. Each component is designed with appropriate material properties for its specific function, allowing the housing to maintain structural integrity while being biodegradable.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser components may utilize composite materials that combine biodegradable properties with sufficient structural strength. For example, the housing could use biodegradable plastics or natural fibers reinforced with biodegradable additives, creating a material that is both environmentally friendly and mechanically robust enough to withstand repeated use, cleaning, and refilling cycles.
3Loss of substance
If a refillable system is implemented, then waste is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to separate housing and cartridge components
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is segmented into a housing and a cartridge, where the cartridge is a simple, self-contained unit that inserts into the housing. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by allowing the complex housing (with its dispensing mechanism) to be separated from the simple consumable container, making the cartridge easy to manufacture, refill, and dispose of while reducing the complexity of the reusable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a universal component that can accept different cartridge types and be refilled multiple times. The standardized interface between the housing and cartridge allows for versatility in product compatibility while maintaining a consistent, relatively simple housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, managing complexity through standardization.
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 solution provides a convenient, reusable dispenser that minimizes landfill waste by allowing refilling and using biodegradable components, effectively addressing the environmental impact of disposable plastic canisters.
Implementation Method 1
A scissor lift is attached to the screw rod at a first pair of ends. The scissor lift is attached to the movable dispenser base at a second pair of ends.
Implementation Method 2
A screw rod is secured within the housing and has a knob attached. The screw rod and the knob are rotatably attached within the dispenser housing such that the knob protrudes through the aperture.
Implementation Method 3
A movable dispenser base is disposed within the housing, wherein the movable dispenser base creates a seal with the sidewall.
Data Source
AI summary
A roll-on dispenser includes a housing having a base, an open top end, and an interior volume. The interior volume of the housing has a rising device coupled to the base of the housing. The rising device is in turn coupled to a cartridge riser plate. The opened top end of the housing has a top section which can be removably secured. The top section also houses a roller ball therein.