Automatic Sample Dispensing Device with Motor-Actuated Cutting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample-dispensing methods for cosmetics and fragrances require manual effort to detach samples, leading to consumer discomfort and potential hygiene issues due to shared contact surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An automatic sample-dispensing device with a motor-actuated reel system, electronic module, and cutting element that allows samples to be dispensed by pressing a button, ensuring hygiene and ease of use by automatically cutting and dispensing individual samples without manual force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual pulling is used to detach samples from the reel, then the consumer can obtain individual samples, but the consumer experiences discomfort and requires physical effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sample detachmentVSAvoidforce required to detach sample

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical pulling action with an automated cutting mechanism. A cutting element positioned at the cutting region automatically severs the adhesive bond between samples when the reel rotates, eliminating the need for the consumer to apply pulling force and resolve the contradiction between ease of operation and force requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the sample detachment operation automatically through the motor-driven reel rotation and cutting element, making the system self-serving rather than requiring the consumer to manually detach samples, thus improving ease of operation without requiring consumer force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If samples are shared on a common reel, then the device complexity is reduced, but hygiene is compromised due to shared contact surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of dispensing mechanismVSAvoidhygiene contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous reel of samples into individually detachable units by introducing a cutting element that severs the adhesive bond between consecutive samples. This segmentation allows each sample to be separated and dispensed independently, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining the simplicity of the reel-based dispensing mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting element extracts or removes the adhesive connection between samples, enabling each sample to be taken out individually from the reel. This extraction of the bonding mechanism allows hygienic individual dispensing while preserving the overall simplicity of the reel-based system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If automated cutting mechanism is added to eliminate manual pulling, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of sample dispensingVSAvoidcomplexity of cutting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting element serves multiple functions: it cuts the adhesive bond between samples, defines the separation point for sample detachment, and works in conjunction with the reel rotation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms, allowing automation without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the cutting function with the existing reel rotation mechanism and adhesive sample structure. The cutting element is integrated into the dispensing path where it naturally intersects with the sample flow, combining multiple functions (rotation, cutting, detachment) into a coordinated system rather than adding separate independent mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the safe, hygienic, and effortless dispensing of unique product samples, reducing consumer discomfort and maintaining hygiene by automating the sampling process, and can be integrated into various retail environments.

Implementation Method 1

at least one motor (12) that rotates the at least one reel (15)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

each sample (16) consisting of a region for product deposit (21) surrounded by an adhesive material (27)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3092916B1Automatic sample dispensing device

Publication Date: 2019.08.28 ADHESPACK IND E COMERCIO IMPORTACAO E EXPORTACAO

Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

There is described an automatic sample dispensing device (10) comprising at least one sample holder (11) which receives at least one reel of samples (15), at least one sample holder (11) which is activated by at least one motor (12); at least one electronic module (13) which intermittently controls at least one motor (12); and one cutting element (14) placed in a cutting region (17), at least one motor (12) which rotationally activates at least one sample holder (11) and which positions at least one sample (16) in the cutting region (17), whereby at least one sample (16) is automatically detached from the sample reel (15) by the cutting element (14).