Sensor Soap Dispenser Arm for Compact Refill and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for viscous liquid compositions, such as soap or sanitizing agents, face challenges in easy refill replacement without mess and efficient packaging and transport, particularly for self-standing or portable designs.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a base unit and articulated arm, featuring a capacitive-type sensor for hands-free operation, and a refill unit with an annular wall and valve element, allowing for easy and mess-free refill insertion and removal, and a configuration that allows for both dispensing and storage positions to facilitate compact packaging and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dispensing device is designed with a fixed articulated arm in dispensing position, then the liquid can be dispensed properly, but the device occupies more space and is harder to package and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm is designed to be movable between a dispensing position (where it extends from the base unit to dispense liquid) and a storage position (where it retracts into the base unit). This dynamic configuration allows the device to optimize its volume for packaging and transport while maintaining full dispensing functionality during use.
2Reliability
If the refill unit requires complex removal mechanisms, then liquid leakage can be prevented, but the replacement process becomes messy and difficult for consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is pre-loaded in a closed position within the refill unit before insertion. When the refill unit is inserted into the base unit, the valve element is automatically positioned to seal against the spigot, preventing liquid leakage. This preliminary preparation of the valve mechanism ensures both leak prevention and easy replacement without requiring complex user actions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve element is always open for easy filling, then refill is simple, but liquid leaks during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The refill unit is pre-filled through a temporary opening that is sealed after filling. The valve element remains closed during storage and transport to prevent leakage. When the refill unit is inserted into the base unit for use, the valve element is automatically opened to allow liquid flow. This preliminary sealing action resolves the contradiction between easy filling and leak prevention.
4Device complexity
If the dispensing device uses manual pump operation, then device complexity is reduced, but automation and user convenience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device incorporates a sensor that automatically detects when a user approaches and triggers the pump to dispense liquid without requiring manual operation. The system serves itself by using the user's presence as the activation signal, eliminating the need for manual pump operation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 simple, mess-free refill replacement and compact configuration for efficient packaging and transport, ensuring user convenience and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation mechanism which includes a capacitive-type sensor for dispensing liquid and adapted to receive a refill unit
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a dispensing device (D) comprising a base unit (2) and an articulated arm portion (2A) which extends from a part of the base unit, the base unit further comprises an actuation mechanism which includes a capacitive-type sensor (CS) for dispensing liquid and adapted to receive a refill unit (1) insertible into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit.