Reusable Dispenser Locking Ring for Sustainable Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensing packages for personal care products, such as antiperspirants and deodorants, are not fully reusable and rely on plastic materials derived from non-renewable resources, leading to waste and environmental concerns, with a need for improved cartridge security and ease of replacement without additional locking mechanisms on the cartridge.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing package comprising a reusable dispenser with a telescopic actuator and a replaceable cartridge secured by a locking ring, where the locking ring indicates secure engagement through indicia on the ring and dispenser, allowing easy insertion and removal of the cartridge without additional locking means on the cartridge, promoting sustainability and reducing plastic usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a replaceable cartridge system is used to enable partial reusability, then waste is reduced and sustainability is improved, but the cartridge requires additional locking mechanisms that increase complexity and material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the cartridge and placed entirely in the reusable dispenser. The locking ring with engagement features is part of the dispenser, not the cartridge. This allows the cartridge to be simple and disposable while the reusable dispenser contains the complexity of securing the cartridge through the locking ring that engages with the dispenser body
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring serves multiple functions: it secures the cartridge in place, provides a interface for easy cartridge removal, and includes indicia to indicate proper engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the cartridge, then cartridge security is improved, but the ease of cartridge replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed to be dynamically engageable and disengageable. It can be rotated to lock the cartridge securely during use, and easily rotated to unlock and remove the cartridge. This dynamic design allows the same component to provide both secure locking and easy replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring includes indicia that automatically indicate when the cartridge is properly secured. The user can visually confirm proper engagement without additional tools or complex procedures. The system serves itself by providing visual feedback that confirms the locking mechanism is functioning correctly
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic materials are used for the dispensing package, then manufacturing ease and structural integrity are improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to non-renewable resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to discard the cartridge after use and recover the reusable dispenser. The cartridge is made simple and disposable to minimize waste, while the dispenser is made reusable to maximize resource recovery. This separation allows the permanent component to be recovered and reused while the disposable component is discarded
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing package uses a composite structure combining reusable and disposable components. The reusable dispenser can be made from more sustainable materials since it is recovered, while the disposable cartridge can be made from simpler materials. This composite approach allows optimization of materials based on their usage frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Dispensing packages for a spreadable personal care product and its respective methods for dispensing a spreadable personal care product. The dispensing package comprises a reusable dispenser, a replaceable cartridge and optionally a top cap. The reusable dispenser comprises a tubular body and a telescopic actuator. The reusable dispenser comprises a locking ring removably engaged with the tubular body of the reusable dispenser to secure the replaceable cartridge within the tubular body of the reusable dispenser.