Rotatable Dip-Tube Container for Residual Liquid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers for liquid materials, such as soap and shampoo, often leave residual amounts in containers due to the need to tilt and lift them to remove remaining liquid, leading to waste, especially for stationary containers like those used on countertops.
Innovation Solution
A container and dispenser system with a rotatable dip-tube that extends to the bottom of the container, featuring a convex projection channeling liquid into a gutter, allowing the dip-tube to access and remove residual liquid from any location in the gutter when the pump is operated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is designed for stationary use on countertop, then ease of operation is improved (no lifting required), but residual liquid cannot be effectively removed (loss of substance increases)
Solution Approach 1:
The dip-tube is made rotatable within the container, allowing its open end to be dynamically repositioned along the gutter perimeter. This dynamic adjustment enables the dip-tube to access residual liquid at different locations without requiring the container to be tilted or lifted, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving liquid recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds rotational movement as a new dimension to the dip-tube's operation. Instead of only vertical pumping action, the dip-tube can now rotate horizontally to access liquid at different circumferential positions in the gutter, enabling complete liquid removal from stationary containers
2Productivity
If the dip-tube is extended to the bottom of the container, then liquid removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases (rotatable mechanism required)
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable dip-tube mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user's natural pumping motion. When the user operates the pump, the mechanical action automatically causes the dip-tube to rotate, eliminating the need for separate complex actuation mechanisms while maintaining improved liquid removal capability
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
Enables efficient removal of residual liquid from both handheld and stationary containers without the need to lift or tilt, reducing waste and extending the life of the container by ensuring all liquid is dispensed.
Implementation Method 1
The dispenser comprises a liquid pump having an outlet. A dip-tube extends from the pump and has a lower open end positioned in the gutter for pulling liquid from the gutter upon operating the pump.
Implementation Method 2
The bottom of the container having a convex projection that channels the liquid material to a gutter.
Data Source
AI summary
A container and associated dispenser for liquid is configured to dispense residual liquid from the container after the bulk of liquid has been dispensed from the container. This is accomplished by having a conical projection on the bottom of the container which causes residual liquid to flow into a gutter defined by the wall of the container and the surface of the conical projection. A dip-tube is connected to the dispenser and is rotatable in order to revolve the open free end of the dip-tube to access any circumferential location in the gutter in order to pick up residual liquid.