Self-Closing Dispenser Cap With Elastic Cord Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held devices for dispensing split shot and other small items require two hands to access and dispense, increasing the risk of dropping the items and leading to waste due to unnecessary carrying of undesired sizes.
Innovation Solution
A one-handed dispenser with a self-closing cap mechanism, utilizing an elastic cord to maintain the cap in place, allowing easy lateral displacement for access and automatic closure, reducing manual operations and minimizing the risk of dropping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotatable lid or hinged lid container is used, then split shot can be accessed and dispensed, but two hands are required to operate the container, increasing the risk of dropping items
Solution Approach 1:
The cap automatically closes itself after dispensing through the elastic cord mechanism, eliminating the need for manual closing operations. The user simply removes the cap for dispensing and releases it for automatic closure, enabling true one-handed operation while maintaining container security
Solution Approach 2:
The cap transitions from a static closed position to a dynamic removable state and back to closed automatically. The elastic cord provides continuous tension that dynamically controls cap position, allowing easy removal when needed and automatic return to closed position, enabling reliable one-handed operation
2Reliability
If multiple manual operations are required to open and close the lid, then the container can be securely closed, but the complexity of operations increases, leading to more opportunities for dropping items
Solution Approach 1:
The container performs the closing operation automatically through the elastic cord mechanism. The cap is designed to be removed easily for dispensing and then automatically returns to the closed position without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational steps from multiple (open, close) to minimal (remove, release)
3Ease of operation
If the container remains open after dispensing, then access to split shot is maintained, but split shot may accidentally pour out when the container is moved
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cord continuously applies tension to keep the cap in the closed position, preventing accidental opening and spillage. The cap is designed with a slight interference fit that requires deliberate user action to overcome the elastic tension, ensuring the container remains securely closed during transport while allowing quick intentional access
4Adaptability or versatility
If undesired split shot sizes are carried in the container, then all possible sizes are available, but waste increases due to unnecessary carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the split shot storage into multiple separate containers, each dedicated to a specific size. This segmentation allows anglers to carry only the sizes they need for particular fishing conditions, eliminating waste from carrying unwanted sizes while maintaining versatility through the collection of specialized containers
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, one-handed access and dispensing of split shot and other small items, reducing waste by allowing only desired sizes to be carried and minimizing the risk of accidental drops.
Implementation Method 1
Elastic cord 25 maintains cap 22 in place atop tube 23 by the tension in said cord
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser with self-closing cap allows opening of said cap, dispensing of contents from said dispenser and closing of said cap using only one hand.In the first embodiment, said dispenser comprises a cap, tube, base and elastic cord internally disposed between said cap and said base.In a second embodiment said dispenser incorporates a D-ring attachment into the dispenser of the first embodiment.Multiple dispensers of the first embodiment can be transported and stored on one's person in a caddy with integral matching boreholes to receive said dispensers.Multiple dispensers of the second embodiment can be grouped on a split ring much as keys on a keyring.In a third embodiment the cap of said dispenser incorporates an O-ring which guards the contents of said container against moisture or allows the storage and dispensing of gels, creams or other viscous fluids.Said dispenser finds application in diverse areas; for example, in fly fishing for the dispensing of split shot; in the work shop for dispensing of small screws, washers, and related hardware; in the arts and craft field for the dispensing of beads, and in the medical field for the dispensing of pills.