Countertop Soap Dispenser Venting and Refill Level Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soap dispensing devices face challenges in simplifying the soap replenishment process, often resulting in unstable structures, difficulty in replacing liquid soap containers, and a risk of overflow, which can lead to messy situations due to the need to remove and reattach containers from under a countertop.
Innovation Solution
A soap dispensing device with a built-in liquid level detection unit that emits a notification signal and features a light display to indicate when soap is low, allowing for direct replenishment on a countertop, along with a gas outlet to prevent overflow, and a simpler structure that reduces material and assembly costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the liquid soap container is fixed using clamping portions that can be easily removed, then the ease of operation for replenishing soap is improved, but the stability and reliability of the structure deteriorates due to deformation at joints after multiple pulling-out operations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: a removable container assembly (including container and cover) and a fixed base assembly (including pump and housing). This segmentation allows easy replenishment by removing only the cover while the base remains stable and fixed to the countertop, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If the liquid soap container is suspended by threads on the pressure pump, then the ease of operation for removing the container is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the container easily drops to the ground causing spills
Solution Approach 1:
The container assembly is segmented into a removable cover portion and a base portion that remains fixed. The cover can be easily removed for replenishment while the base with pump remains securely attached to the countertop, preventing accidental drops and spills while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure acts as an intermediary between the container and the countertop, providing stable support while allowing easy removal of the cover. The support structure includes a fixing portion that anchors the base assembly to the countertop, preventing accidental displacement.
3Shape
If the liquid soap container is hidden under a countertop, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ease of operation for replenishing soap deteriorates as it requires removing and reattaching containers from a confined space
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a fixed base assembly that remains hidden under the countertop and a removable cover assembly that can be easily accessed. The cover can be removed and set aside without needing to be reattached to a confined space, combining aesthetic appearance with ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is extracted as a separate removable component that can be taken out and placed on the countertop surface for replenishment, eliminating the need to manipulate components in the confined space under the countertop while maintaining the hidden aesthetic appearance of the base.
4Loss of information
If a light display system is added to indicate liquid level state, then the loss of information about soap level is eliminated, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A simple light display system uses color changes (e.g., green for sufficient level, red for low level) to indicate the liquid soap level state. This provides clear visual information without requiring complex display mechanisms, balancing information provision with device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light display system automatically detects and indicates the liquid level state without requiring user intervention or complex external systems. The sensor and light indicators work together to provide self-monitoring functionality, reducing the need for complex manual level checking mechanisms.
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 device enables easy and mess-free soap replenishment on a countertop, reduces the risk of spills, and simplifies the replacement process while minimizing material and assembly costs, enhancing user experience and market competitiveness.
Implementation Method 1
capable of emitting light to form a liquid soap replenishing light display area on the outer shell
Implementation Method 2
a gas outlet connected to the liquid soap container using an exhaust pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A soap dispensing device having a soap replenishing notification function comprises a liquid soap container, a soap dispensing body, a soap dispenser connected with the liquid soap container and a control box. The liquid soap container is internally provided with a liquid level detection unit capable of emitting a liquid soap replenishing signal. The soap dispensing body is provided on a countertop and connected with the liquid soap container, and has a liquid soap replenishing light display area, an induction area capable of emitting an induction signal and a soap dispensing head. The control box is used for receiving the liquid soap replenishing signal and the induction signal, wherein the liquid soap replenishing light display area is formed on the soap dispensing body according to the liquid soap replenishing signal, and a liquid soap is supplied by the soap dispensing head according to the induction signal.