Reusable Deodorant Dispenser with Movable Platform and Elastic Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-use disposable deodorant dispensers have a significant environmental impact due to energy consumption in manufacturing, pollution, and waste disposal, as they are typically discarded when depleted and not reusable.
Innovation Solution
A reusable deodorant dispenser with a cylindrical casing and a movable platform that includes retaining clips and a rotatable knob, allowing the consumable deodorant pod to be secured, moved, and replaced, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If single-use disposable deodorant dispensers are used, then ease of manufacture and initial usability are improved, but environmental impact and waste generation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into two separable components: a reusable dispenser body and replaceable deodorant sticks. This segmentation allows the dispenser body to be manufactured once and reused multiple times, while only the consumable deodorant sticks are discarded, significantly reducing waste compared to disposable units where the entire assembly is discarded.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery and reuse of the dispenser body after the deodorant stick is depleted. Users simply remove the empty stick and insert a new one into the same dispenser body, eliminating the need to discard the entire dispenser and reducing manufacturing demand for new units.
2Ease of operation
If single-use dispensers are discarded when depleted, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance and resource consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clips are designed with elastic flexibility, allowing them to dynamically adjust between engaged and disengaged states. When the deodorant stick is inserted, the clips flex outward to accommodate it, then spring inward to secure it. This dynamic behavior simplifies the replacement operation while enabling resource conservation through reuse.
3Reliability
If retaining clips are added to secure the deodorant stick, then reliability of material retention is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clips are spring-loaded and automatically engage with the deodorant stick channels upon insertion, securing the stick without requiring user intervention. When the stick is removed, the clips automatically return to their original position. This self-service mechanism provides reliable retention while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clips utilize elastic material properties to provide a flexible gripping mechanism. The clips can deform to accommodate the deodorant stick and then spring back to apply securing force, achieving reliable retention through material flexibility rather than complex mechanical structures.
4Productivity
If a mechanical coupling mechanism is added to move the platform, then productivity and material dispensing efficiency are improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex automated mechanical systems with a simple manual rotation mechanism. The user rotates the platform holder to manually advance the deodorant stick to the dispensing position, achieving the necessary productivity without requiring motors, sensors, or complex control systems.
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 significantly reduces environmental impact by allowing the deodorant dispenser to be refilled and reused, minimizing waste and resource consumption, while maintaining ease of use through a simple mechanical mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping arm is configured to flex toward the longitudinal axis and engage the consumable material
Implementation Method 2
The gripping arm is configured to flex away from the longitudinal axis and release the consumable material from the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A refillable dispenser including a casing and a platform for receiving consumable material. A knob rotatably mounted at a bottom end of the dispenser is mechanically coupled to the platform such that rotating the knob moves the platform up or down within the dispenser. Gripping arms connected to the platform are configured to flex toward a longitudinal axis and engage the consumable material when the platform is away from a top travel position such that the consumable material is secured to the platform. The gripping arms are configured to flex away from the longitudinal axis and release the consumable material from the platform when the platform is at the top travel position.