Reusable Solid Product Dispenser with Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensers for solid or semi-solid products, such as lipstick and deodorant, are not reusable, result in excessive disposable packaging, and lack aesthetic appeal, with inefficient product advancement and retraction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system featuring a reusable design with a slider and actuator mechanism that includes drive arms and teeth to advance and retract the product, allowing for quick exchange of refill cartridges and reducing material waste, while using durable and aesthetically pleasing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional threaded advancing mechanism is used, then the product can be advanced and retracted, but the entire package must be disposed of after product consumption and the packaging lacks aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into a reusable outer package and a disposable inner cartridge containing the product. The outer package houses the actuator mechanism and is designed to be refilled, while only the inner cartridge is disposed of after product consumption. This segmentation allows the expensive and aesthetically important outer package to be reused multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer package is designed as a universal container that can accommodate different inner cartridges containing various products. The standardized interface between the outer package and inner cartridges allows the same outer package to be used for multiple product types, enhancing reusability and reducing overall packaging waste.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional threaded advancing mechanism is used, then the product can be dispensed, but the package requires multiple turns to advance or retract the product
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional threaded mechanical advancement system is replaced with a direct-acting actuator mechanism that uses a plunger or pusher to advance the product. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple rotational turns, allowing for quick and efficient product advancement with a simple linear motion.
3Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive materials are used for packaging, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the overall aesthetics of the package deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is segmented into two parts with different material requirements: the outer package uses expensive, aesthetically pleasing materials to create an attractive appearance, while the inner cartridge uses inexpensive materials since it is disposable. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and lifecycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser is disclosed for a solid or semi-solid product that includes an outer shell and a slider disposed inside the outer shell. The dispenser also includes an inner shell defining an opening and a carrier adapted to retain the product in the inner shell. The carrier includes carrier teeth that are engaged by an actuator connected between the slider and the carrier for advancing the carrier and the product. The actuator includes at least two drive arms that extend through the inner shell and into the carrier. The drive arms include drive teeth that are adapted to engage the carrier teeth. The carrier and product are replaceable, and the outer shell, the inner shell, and the actuator may be reused.