Slip-Resistant Wipes Container Using TPE Contact Peripheries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wipe containers made of hard plastic materials have a low coefficient of friction, leading to slipping and sliding issues on flat surfaces, making them less effective for use in various locations and orientations, and they do not provide optimal resistance to prevent wiping solutions from drying out or becoming dirty.
Innovation Solution
A wipe container with a dispenser housing featuring thermoplastic elastomer material on its peripheries to enhance slip resistance, allowing it to securely sit on flat surfaces regardless of orientation, and a refillable design with removable end walls for easy access and refilling, while maintaining moisture integrity through a polyhedron-shaped, rigid structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard plastic materials are used for the container, then structural strength and rigidity are improved, but slip resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container combines hard plastic material for the main body structure with thermoplastic elastomer material applied to the peripheries, creating a composite structure that maintains structural strength while adding slip-resistant properties to the contact surfaces
2Ease of operation
If the container is designed for one-handed dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism is designed to automatically advance the wipe stack and present the next wipe for dispensing without requiring manual intervention, allowing users to operate the container with one hand while the mechanism handles the complex advancement and positioning functions automatically
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
The container effectively prevents slipping and sliding on surfaces, ensures the wipes remain moist, and allows for easy one-handed dispensing and refilling, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional wipe containers do not optimally resist slipping and sliding on tables, counters, store shelves, closet shelves, and other flat surfaces. The container includes a dispenser housing with thermoplastic elastomer material on peripheries to enhance slip resistance
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A wipes container adapted to be set on a flat surface includes a dispenser housing defining a top and bottom walls, first and second side walls, and first and second end walls. The top wall includes a dispensing orifice. A plurality of wipes is disposed within an interior space. The first end wall has a first slip-resistant periphery and the second end wall has a second slip-resistant periphery. Each slip-resistant periphery includes thermoplastic elastomer material. The thermoplastic elastomer material is disposed along each periphery such that thermoplastic elastomer material contacts an underlying flat surface whether the container is position on its bottom, on a side, or on an end.