Stick Product Refill System With Propel-Repel Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stick product dispensers require discarding the propel-repel mechanism when the stick product is exhausted, leading to waste and resource inefficiency, and lack a convenient refill option for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A refill system comprising a refill assembly with a refill base, refill stick receptacle, and refill cover, which can be removably engaged with the dispenser's propel-repel mechanism, allowing for the replacement of the stick product without discarding the dispenser's propel-repel mechanism, utilizing mechanical or magnetic means for retention forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stick product is replaced by discarding the entire dispenser, then the stick product can be renewed, but the propel-repel mechanism is wasted and resources are not conserved
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into two separable parts: the reusable propel-repel mechanism and the replaceable stick receptacle. This segmentation allows the stick product to be renewed by replacing only the receptacle while keeping the propel-repel mechanism, thus avoiding waste of the mechanism and enabling stick product renewal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire dispenser, the invention recovers and reuses the propel-repel mechanism by separating it from the stick receptacle. The mechanism is retained and reused while only the stick receptacle is discarded or replaced, thereby conserving resources and enabling continuous stick product renewal.
2Reliability
If the stick product is refilled by replacing the entire dispenser, then the stick product can be renewed, but the cost to consumers increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dispenser into reusable propel-repel mechanism and replaceable stick receptacle, consumers only need to purchase or replace the inexpensive receptacle rather than the entire expensive dispenser, thereby renewing the stick product at lower cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The expensive propel-repel mechanism is recovered and reused, while only the inexpensive stick receptacle is replaced. This significantly reduces consumer cost for stick product renewal compared to replacing the entire dispenser.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the refill assembly uses strong retention forces for all components, then the components remain securely engaged, but the refill operation becomes difficult and may damage components
Solution Approach 1:
Different retention force levels are applied to different component interfaces: strong retention forces at the refill base-stick receptacle and refill cover-stick receptacle interfaces for stability, but a specifically designed weaker retention force at the refill base-refill cover interface to enable easy separation during refill operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention forces are designed to be dynamically appropriate for each operation phase: strong retention during normal use to prevent accidental detachment, but controlled weakness at specific interfaces to allow easy separation when needed for refill, thus balancing stability and ease of operation.
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
Enables convenient and cost-effective refilling of stick products, promoting recycling and resource conservation by allowing the reuse of the dispenser's propel-repel mechanism, thereby reducing waste and saving consumers money.
Implementation Method 1
The refill base is removably engaged with the refill stick receptacle and/or the refill cover with a first retention force therebetween
Implementation Method 2
the mechanical or magnetic means for removably engaging the refill base with the dispenser stick receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for refilling a dispenser includes a refill assembly having refill base, a refill stick receptacle and a refill cover, and a dispenser having a dispenser stick receptacle a stick receptacle carrier and a propel-repel mechanism for longitudinally advancing and retracting the stick receptacle carrier within the dispenser. The dispenser stick receptacle is configured to be replaced by the refill stick receptacle by (1) removing the refill base from the refill cover with the refill stick receptacle engaged with the refill cover; (2) engaging the refill base with the dispenser stick receptacle and then removing the dispenser stick receptacle from the stick receptacle carrier by pulling the refill base away from the stick receptacle carrier; (3) engaging the refill cover with the refill stick receptacle engaged therewith with the stick receptacle carrier; and (4) removing the refill cover by pulling the refill cover away from the stick receptacle carrier.