Segmented Dispenser with Inverted Pivot Lid for Tamper-Resistant Hygiene Product Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensers for panty liners and tampons in public areas are impractical due to their combined arrangement, which can be easily tampered with and lack functional reliability.

Innovation Solution

A compact, box-shaped dispenser with separate compartments for panty liners and tampons, featuring a pivotable lid for easy access and secure closure, and a design that prevents tampering, ensuring reliable and convenient removal and filling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive surfaces are used to attach housing components, then assembly is simplified, but the components can be easily separated or tampered with, reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidanti-tampering reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into modular components (front wall assembly with dispenser lid, rear wall assembly, side wall assemblies) that are connected through integrated mechanical features rather than simple adhesives. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability through interlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser lid is pivotally connected to the front wall assembly, allowing it to nest within the housing structure when closed. The receiving space is defined by the nested arrangement of the lid, front wall, rear wall, and side walls, creating a compact and secure configuration that resists tampering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If a combined dispenser for panty liners and tampons is used, then space is saved, but the device becomes impractical for reliable operation in public areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispenser sizeVSAvoidfunctional reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The combined dispenser is segmented into separate compartments for panty liners and tampons, each with its own removal opening and organizational structure. This segmentation allows independent access and operation of each product type, maintaining compactness while ensuring functional reliability through dedicated dispensing paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the receiving space is enclosed by a fixed front wall, then structural stability is improved, but filling access becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing stabilityVSAvoidfilling accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The front wall is transformed into a dynamic dispenser lid that can pivot between a closed position (providing structural stability and secure closure) and an open position (providing easy filling access). The pivotal connection allows the front wall to transition between these states, resolving the contradiction between stability and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the dispenser lid is connected at the top, then closure is secure, but filling access from the front is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure securityVSAvoidfilling convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of connecting the dispenser lid at the top, the pivotal connection is inverted to the bottom edge of the lid. This inversion allows the lid to swing open downward, providing easy front access for filling while maintaining secure closure when closed. The bottom connection point creates a leverage advantage for easy opening while ensuring tight sealing when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4555986A1Dispensing device for panty inserts and tampons
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 TEMCA GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4555986A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4555986A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4555986A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispensing device for panty liners and tampons, comprising a housing (2) which is designed to accommodate a plurality of panty liners and a plurality of tampons separately from one another in the housing interior (17), wherein the housing (2) has a panty liner removal opening (9) through which the panty liners can be removed, and a tampon removal opening (10) through which the tampons can be removed.The housing (2) is box-shaped and has a dispenser body (3) with a rear wall (4) and a body wall arrangement (5) extending forwards away from the rear wall (4), wherein the dispenser body (3) has a receiving space (6) which adjoins the rear wall (4) towards the front and forms at least one component of the housing interior (17) and which is at least partially enclosed by the body wall arrangement (5). The receiving space (6) on the dispenser body side is open towards the front, in the direction away from the rear wall (4), and can be releasably closed by means of a dispenser lid (8) as a further housing part which forms a front wall (7) of the housing (2). The panty liner removal opening (9) and the tampon removal opening (10) are formed in the front wall (7).