Slide-Open Refillable Dispenser for Accessible Cover-Free Refilling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall-mounted liquid and foam dispensers, such as soap and sanitizer dispensers, pose difficulties for short individuals to refill due to limited cover opening and risk of the cover being struck and broken while open.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser system featuring a sliding cover that moves along rails, allowing for horizontal insertion and removal of a refill unit, with a latch mechanism to secure the cover in a closed position, preventing removal and protecting the refill unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover is hinged and rotates open, then the refill unit can be accessed, but the cover can only open 90° making it difficult for short persons to refill and the cover may be struck and broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefill accessibilityVSAvoidcover breakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional hinged cover design by using a sliding cover that moves horizontally along rails instead of rotating on a hinge. This inversion allows the cover to open fully (180° or more) while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the 90° limitation and breakage risk of hinged designs. The sliding mechanism enables short persons to easily access the refill unit without the cover being in the way.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from rotational motion (hinged cover) to linear sliding motion along the horizontal dimension. By moving the cover along rails in a straight line rather than rotating it, the design achieves full opening capability while preventing the cover from protruding into spaces where it could be struck and broken.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the cover is hinged and rotates open, then the refill unit can be accessed, but it is difficult for short persons to refill the dispenser

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefill accessibilityVSAvoidcover opening angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional hinged cover design by using a sliding cover that moves horizontally along rails instead of rotating on a hinge. This inversion allows the cover to open fully (180° or more) while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the 90° limitation and breakage risk of hinged designs. The sliding mechanism enables short persons to easily access the refill unit without the cover being in the way.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from rotational motion (hinged cover) to linear sliding motion along the horizontal dimension. By moving the cover along rails in a straight line rather than rotating it, the design achieves full opening capability while preventing the cover from protruding into spaces where it could be struck and broken.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the sliding cover is used, then the refill unit can be easily accessed, but the refill unit must be protected when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefill accessibilityVSAvoidrefill unit protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional hinged cover design by using a sliding cover that moves horizontally along rails instead of rotating on a hinge. This inversion allows the cover to open fully (180° or more) while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the 90° limitation and breakage risk of hinged designs. The sliding mechanism enables short persons to easily access the refill unit without the cover being in the way.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3827721B1Slide open refillable dispenser

Publication Date: 2023.12.27 GOJO IND INC

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AI summary

The dispenser comprises a refill unit having a battery pod, a receptacle on the dispenser for receiving the battery pod and a sliding cover, wherein the sliding cover slides downward to allow access to the refill unit and wherein the sliding cover slides upward to close and to prevent the refill unit from being removed.