Dispensing device with disposable insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current consumer product packaging, particularly for items like toothpaste, results in significant waste due to non-recyclable designs and inefficient use of materials, leading to increased shipping costs and environmental impact in subscription-based models.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device featuring a reusable outer container made of deformable material and a disposable inner container with a nozzle and closure valve system, allowing for efficient paste dispensing and periodic refills while minimizing material usage and shipping costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional disposable toothpaste tube is used, then the product can be easily discarded after use, but significant waste is generated and shipping costs increase due to packaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the toothpaste delivery system into two segments: a reusable outer dispensing container and a disposable inner container. The inner container holds the toothpaste and is discarded when empty, while the outer container is retained and reused. This segmentation allows easy disposal of only the necessary component (inner container with paste) while maintaining the investment in the dispensing mechanism, thereby reducing overall waste compared to traditional single-use tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is nested within the outer container during storage and shipping. The collapsible inner container fits inside the rigid outer dispensing container, maximizing space efficiency. This nesting approach reduces packaging requirements and shipping volume compared to traditional tubes that require individual protective packaging, directly addressing the waste and shipping cost issues.
2Productivity
If bulk shipments are used for subscription services, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but shipping costs and overhead increase due to package size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heavy, rigid outer container (which remains with the consumer) from the lighter inner container containing the toothpaste. For subscription refills, only the lightweight inner container needs to be shipped, significantly reducing shipping weight and cost while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized production of both container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is made from flexible, collapsible material that conforms to the shape of the toothpaste contents. This flexible design minimizes the volume and weight of the shipped product compared to rigid traditional tubes, reducing shipping costs for subscription services while maintaining product integrity during transport.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional toothpaste tubes are used, then the product is simple to manufacture, but paste evacuation is inefficient causing 2% to 10% waste
Solution Approach 1:
The inner container is designed to be collapsible and deformable, allowing it to dynamically change shape as toothpaste is dispensed. This dynamic collapse eliminates air pockets and ensures complete evacuation of the paste from the container, preventing the 2-10% waste typical of traditional rigid tubes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of flexible materials.
4Loss of substance
If a reusable dispensing system is implemented, then material waste is reduced, but device complexity increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two functional parts: a reusable outer container with dispensing mechanisms and a simple disposable inner container. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by making the disposable part extremely simple (just a sealed flexible pouch) while concentrating the complexity in the reusable part that the consumer keeps, thereby achieving waste reduction without excessive complexity in the disposable component.
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 reduces waste, lowers shipping costs, and maintains product freshness through a secure and efficient dispensing mechanism, enabling a cost-effective and environmentally friendly subscription service.
Implementation Method 1
When applying a compression force to the outer container, this force squeezes the inner container causing the paste to dispense out the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing device includes an outer container made of a deformable material, the outer container includes a hollow interior cavity. The dispensing device includes an inner container affixable within the interior cavity of the outer container. The outer container is a re-usable container, the inner container can be a one-time use, disposable container, shipped to a customer on a periodic basis, including toothpaste. The inner container includes a nozzle for dispensing of the paste upon completion of assembly. The dispensing device includes a nozzle locking mechanism to secure the inner container to the cap. The cap includes a cap locking mechanism to secure the cap to the outer container. Upon assembly, applying a compression force to the outer container dispenses the toothpaste.