Retractable Fluid Dispenser With Linear Slide Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable dispensers for domestic appliances require significant space due to their movement along curved paths, making them larger and less aesthetically pleasing.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a dispensing member that moves along a linear path between retracted and extended positions, allowing for a more compact design and incorporating a drive mechanism like an electric motor and gearing arrangement for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dispensing member moves along a curved path between retracted and extended positions, then the dispenser can be made retractable for convenience and cleanliness, but the appliance requires more space to accommodate the curved movement path and drive means
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the dispensing member along a curved path as in prior art, the patent inverts the approach by using linear reciprocating motion. The drive means pushes the dispensing member linearly along guides from the retracted position to the extended position and vice versa, eliminating the need for curved movement paths and associated space.
2Ease of operation
If the dispensing member moves along a curved path, then the dispenser provides retractable functionality, but the drive mechanism becomes more complex requiring cams, pivots or other arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex curved path movement mechanism (cams, pivots) from the drive system and replaces it with a simplified linear reciprocating mechanism. The drive means simply pushes and pulls the dispensing member along linear guides, eliminating the need for complex curved path generation components.
3Volume of moving object
If the dispensing member is made compact with linear movement, then the appliance size and cost are reduced, but the dispensing member must be precisely engineered for linear guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement parameter from curved path to linear reciprocating motion. This parameter change simplifies the overall system geometry and allows for easier manufacturing of the guides and drive means, as linear guides are simpler to fabricate and assemble than curved path mechanisms.
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 enables a compact dispenser that reduces the appliance's size and cost while maintaining functionality, preventing contamination and ensuring easy cleaning with a flush appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the gearing arrangement comprises a leads screw and a follower
Implementation Method 2
the gearing arrangement comprises a rack and pinion arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
According to the invention there is provided a domestic appliance (10) having a casing (12) and a dispenser (100; 200). The dispenser (100; 200) includes a dispensing member (102; 204) for dispensing a fluid. The dispensing member (102; 204) is movable between a first position in which at least a part of the dispensing member (102; 204) is located within the casing (12) and a second position in which the dispensing member (102; 204) projects from the casing (12). The dispensing member (102; 204) is slideable between the first and second positions along a linear path. By providing such an arrangement, the dispenser (100; 200) is able to move along the shortest path between the first and second positions, reducing the space necessary in the appliance (10) to allow the dispenser (100; 200) to move. A further advantage is that the drive mechanisms (116) can be correspondingly smaller.