Stretchable Dispenser Shroud for Variable Reservoir Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid covers for fluid dispensers limit the volume of the reservoir they can enclose, are inefficient for storage and shipping due to fixed volume, are costly, and difficult to customize or modify.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sheet shroud with a resilient, deformable portion made from stretchable fabric that can expand to accommodate larger volumes, allowing for adjustable volume enclosure and easy customization through graphics projection onto the cover sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid plastic cover is used to enclose the reservoir, then the structure provides strength and stability, but the volume is fixed and cannot accommodate reservoirs of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid plastic cover with a flexible shroud made of stretchable fabric material. This flexible shroud can be stretched to accommodate reservoirs of different volumes and sizes while maintaining structural integrity. The fabric material allows the shroud to conform to various reservoir shapes and volumes, providing both strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud is designed with dynamic properties, allowing it to transition between different states of expansion and contraction. The stretchable fabric enables the shroud to dynamically adjust its volume to match the reservoir size, whether the reservoir is fully filled or partially depleted, thus providing both structural stability and volume adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid plastic cover is used, then the dispenser maintains a fixed volume structure, but it occupies excessive storage and shipping volume when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible fabric shroud can be collapsed or compressed to a minimal volume when the reservoir is depleted or when shipping the dispenser without a full reservoir. This dramatically reduces the storage and shipping volume compared to a rigid cover that must maintain its full volume regardless of contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud transitions from an expanded state when enclosing a full reservoir to a collapsed state during storage or shipping. This dynamic volume adjustment allows the dispenser to maintain structural stability during use while minimizing storage footprint when not in use.
3Shape
If a rigid plastic cover is used, then the dispenser has a fixed appearance, but customization with indicia or graphics is difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric shroud can be easily customized with different graphics, patterns, or indicia through printing or attachment methods. Different fabric covers with various designs can be produced cost-effectively, allowing for easy customization without requiring expensive mold changes or complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Graphics and indicia can be applied to the fabric shroud through printing or by attaching separate graphic elements. This allows for easy replication of designs and customizations across different dispenser units without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
4Volume of stationary object
If a rigid plastic cover is used, then the structure provides enclosed volume, but it cannot accommodate reservoirs larger than the cover's internal volume
Solution Approach 1:
The stretchable fabric shroud can be expanded to accommodate reservoirs of various sizes, including those larger than a rigid cover of the same dimensions would allow. The fabric's elasticity enables it to stretch and conform to larger reservoir volumes while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud dynamically adjusts its enclosed volume to match the reservoir size. When a larger reservoir is installed, the shroud stretches to accommodate it; when a smaller reservoir is used or the reservoir is depleted, the shroud contracts accordingly, providing continuous adaptability to different volume requirements.
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 the use of reservoirs of varying sizes, reduces storage and shipping volume, and allows for cost-effective and customizable designs by accommodating different volumes and dimensions while maintaining a compact and adaptable form.
Implementation Method 1
the shroud having a resiliently deformable portion having an inherent bias to assume an unbiased condition in which the shroud enclosed a first volume, the deformable portion being deformable from the unbiased condition to a biased condition in which the shroud encloses a second volume different than the first volume
Implementation Method 2
the deformable portion comprises an elastomeric material... the protuberant portion is mounted to the dispenser for movement between an extended position and a retracted position... in the retracted position the protuberant portion does not extend from within the shroud through the window, and in movement from the extended position to the retracted position, the protuberant portion withdraws through the window to within the shroud and the deformable portion deforms from the biased condition to the unbiased condition
Data Source
AI summary
A shroud cover for a dispenser is a flexible sheet disposed about an open framework. Preferably, the flexible sheet is resiliently stretchable and stretched over the framework.