Shoe Cover Dispenser Using Interlocking Layers for Sequential Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic shoe cover dispensers are complex to install and require electrical power, with shoe covers needing to be individually attached or stacked, making them unsuitable for mass production and prone to operational failures if connections are broken.
Innovation Solution
An automatic shoe cover dispenser with a replaceable shoe cover cartridge that uses overlapping shoe covers with interlocking units and guiding arms to dispense shoe covers sequentially without the need for electrical power, simplifying installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If shoe covers are affixed one-by-one to be dispensed, then the shoe covers can be dispensed sequentially, but the production process becomes complicated and installation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe cover is divided into multiple layers (first shoe cover layer, second shoe cover layer, third shoe cover layer) that are stacked and interlocked together. Each layer has interlocking structures (first interlocking structure, second interlocking structure) that enable automatic sequential dispensing without complex attachment processes, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and production complexity.
2Extent of automation
If motorized device is used to dispense shoe covers, then shoe covers can be dispensed automatically, but electrical power is required and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe cover dispensing mechanism uses self-service automatic dispensing where the interlocking structures between stacked shoe cover layers automatically pull the next shoe cover forward when one is removed. This mechanical self-service system eliminates the need for motorized devices and electrical power while maintaining automatic dispensing functionality.
3Productivity
If shoe covers are stacked individually, then they can be dispensed one-by-one, but the installation process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shoe cover layers are merged into a single integrated stack with interlocking structures. The first, second, and third shoe cover layers are combined and interlocked together, allowing them to be installed as one unit while maintaining individual dispensing capability. This merging approach simplifies installation while preserving productivity.
4Ease of operation
If conventional dispensing mechanism is used, then shoe covers can be dispensed, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe cover cartridge is designed as a disposable or replaceable component containing the stacked shoe covers with interlocking structures. This allows the entire cartridge to be replaced when depleted, eliminating the need for expensive motorized dispensing mechanisms and reducing both manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe cover cartridge includes two guiding arms and a plurality of shoe covers overlapped in a sequential manner to define a standby shoe cover and a subsequent shoe cover. Front and rear interlocking units are provided at front and rear sides of each of the shoe cover respectively and are slidably engaged with the guiding arms at a position that the front interlocking unit at the subsequent shoe cover is located in front of the rear interlocking unit at the standby shoe cover along the guiding arms. Therefore, when the standby shoe cover is pulled for dispensing, the subsequent shoe cover is pulled by the standby shoe to dispense the shoe covers in a sequential order.