Soap Dispenser Draw-Back Chamber to Prevent Spout Dripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Counter-mounted soap dispensers in public washrooms often allow soap to drip after use, creating a messy environment and discouraging their use, as they fail to prevent leakage or dripping of excess soap.
Innovation Solution
A draw-back chamber is integrated into the soap dispensing system, which collapses during soap dispensing to ensure all soap is dispensed and then expands to draw back any remaining soap through port openings, preventing dripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional pump mechanism is used to dispense soap, then soap can be delivered to users, but soap drips from the dispensing tube after use
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into a main pump mechanism and a separate draw-back chamber with port openings. The draw-back chamber is positioned along the fluid path between the pump and spout, creating distinct functional zones that allow independent control of soap flow and retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of only pushing soap forward through the dispensing tube, the system incorporates a reverse action phase where the draw-back chamber expands to pull soap backward through the same tube. This inversion of flow direction eliminates residual soap that would otherwise drip from the spout
2Productivity
If the pump mechanism is actuated to dispense soap, then soap is delivered, but excess soap remains in the dispensing tube causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The draw-back chamber is pre-positioned along the fluid path and pre-filled with a small amount of soap. When the pump actuates, this preliminary soap in the draw-back chamber is the first to be dispensed, followed by the main dose from the pump, ensuring complete utilization of soap in the system
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the expansion and contraction of the draw-back chamber responds to the pump's operation. After the pump delivers soap, the draw-back chamber expands to draw back any remaining soap through port openings, creating a self-regulating system that prevents over-dispensing and waste
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 solution effectively prevents soap from hanging or dripping at the end of the dispensing tube, maintaining a clean and appealing environment by ensuring all soap is used and none is left to waste.
Implementation Method 1
When the pump mechanism is allowed to return to its extended rest state, the draw-back chamber expands, drawing soap into it through the port opening
Data Source
AI summary
This patent discloses tools, methods and systems for dispensing soap. The tools, methods and systems include a draw-back chamber constructed around and in line with the fluid path between a spout assembly for delivering soap to a user and a pump mechanism for supplying the soap. The draw-back chamber contains port openings into the fluid path. When the pump mechanism is actuated to dispense soap, the draw back chamber is collapsed and soap within it is dispensed with the main dose of soap supplied by the pump mechanism. When the pump mechanism is allowed to return to its extended rest state, the draw-back chamber expands, drawing soap into it through the port opening to prevent soap from hanging and dripping at the end of the dispensing tube.