Strip Dispenser with Segmented Cartridge and Moisture Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable product dispensers for consumer products like strips often require complete disposal after use, and their seals degrade with repeated use, leading to ineffective moisture control and product preservation.
Innovation Solution
A reusable dispenser assembly with a refillable cartridge system and replaceable seals that control moisture ingress/egress, allowing for the refilling of consumer products like glucose strips and featuring a pusher bar mechanism for efficient dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable dispensers are used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance increases due to complete disposal after use
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into reusable components (dispenser body, seal) and disposable components (cartridge). This segmentation allows the expensive dispenser body to be retained and reused, while only the consumable cartridge is discarded, significantly reducing material waste compared to complete disposal of the entire unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables recovery and reuse of the dispenser body and seal components after the cartridge is depleted. The reusable dispenser assembly can be refilled with fresh cartridges, extending the product lifecycle and reducing the frequency of complete disposal.
2Reliability
If permanent seals are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to seal degradation and replacement needs
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrated with the disposable cartridge rather than being a separate permanent component. This segmentation allows the seal to be replaced automatically when the cartridge is changed, eliminating the need for separate seal maintenance while ensuring continuous protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is designed as a disposable component that degrades or becomes compromised over time, matching the cartridge's lifecycle. This approach accepts seal degradation as normal wear and ensures reliability by replacing the seal with the new cartridge, rather than attempting to maintain a permanent seal.
3Loss of substance
If reusable dispensers with refilling are implemented, then loss of substance is reduced, but ease of operation worsens due to refilling procedures
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the reusable dispenser body from the disposable cartridge, the system enables simple cartridge replacement without requiring complex refilling procedures. Users simply remove the empty cartridge and insert a full one, maintaining ease of operation while reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridge simplifies the refilling process by pre-containing all necessary components (product, seal, packaging) in a single replaceable unit. This eliminates the need for users to manually refill or maintain the dispenser body, preserving ease of operation.
4Reliability
If seals are replaced after initial opening, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to seal replacement frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The seal and cartridge are merged into a single integrated component. This ensures the seal is replaced simultaneously with the cartridge, eliminating separate seal replacement operations and minimizing time loss from seal maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is pre-installed on the new cartridge before use. This preliminary action ensures the seal is already in place and functional when the cartridge is inserted into the dispenser, eliminating the need for users to perform separate seal installation or replacement operations.
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 enables cost-effective and sustainable product dispensing by allowing refilling of cartridges and maintaining product freshness through controlled moisture conditions, reducing waste and extending the dispenser's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
A guide is biased by a spring to press the pusher bar toward the dispensing end of the dispensing cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to product dispensers, and in particular dispensers for products in the form of strips. The product dispenser includes a container having a lid that may be pivotally attached to a base. According to an embodiment, the assembly includes a cartridge housing and a dispensing cartridge. The dispensing cartridge is configured to house a stack of strips. A guide is biased by a spring to push a presser bar against the bottom portion of the stack of the strips toward the dispensing end of the assembly. When a strip is to be dispensed, a slider is moved from a first position to a second position, causing a slider arm to contact and assist in rotating a strip toward a dispensing opening. At least a corner of the rotated strip may protrude through the dispensing opening so that a user may remove the strip from the assembly.