Suspended controlled-release soap dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for introducing controlled amounts of detergent into dishwashing sinks are unsatisfactory due to reliance on user judgment, leading to inefficiencies and waste, and existing devices are either messy, require complex installations, or are not suitable for institutional dishwashing.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that suspends a container with a detergent concentrate under a faucet spout, where water pressure dissolves the detergent, creating a controlled release of soapy water concentrate as the sink fills, allowing for precise dosing without external installations or user judgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pump-type applicators, squeeze bottles, or measuring cups are used to introduce detergent, then the user has control over the amount of soap added, but the method becomes messy and relies on user judgment leading to insufficient or excessive soap dosage
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser device enables itself to automatically dispense the correct amount of detergent concentrate without user intervention. The device uses the water flow from the faucet to trigger automatic dispensing through float activation, eliminating the need for user judgment and manual dosing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism provides automatic feedback control by rising with water level and triggering the dispensing mechanism when a predetermined level is reached. This feedback system ensures precise dosage control without requiring user judgment, preventing both insufficient and excessive soap addition.
2Ease of operation
If devices are mounted external from and proximate to a sink, then detergent can be dispensed near the sink, but installation and maintenance cost increases significantly due to water line connections
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser device is designed as a disposable unit that is discarded after use, eliminating installation and maintenance requirements. This single-use approach provides the convenience of near-sink dispensing without the complexity of permanent water line connections, making it economically viable for institutional settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed as a self-contained, modular unit that operates independently without requiring integration into the sink's water infrastructure. This segmentation allows the device to be positioned near the sink for convenient operation while avoiding complex installation requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detergent containers require opening and refilling after each use, then the device can be reused, but it becomes unsuitable for institutional dishwashing where efficiency is critical
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is designed as a disposable unit that is discarded after use rather than refilled. This approach eliminates the time and effort required for opening and refilling operations, significantly improving productivity in institutional dishwashing environments where efficiency is critical, while the low cost of the disposable unit makes it economically viable.
4Ease of operation
If the dispenser is placed on the bottom of the sink, then it can dispense detergent into the sink, but it becomes problematic if there are dishes already in the sink
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is positioned in the vertical space above the sink rather than on the bottom surface. By utilizing the vertical dimension and suspending the dispenser from the faucet, the device can dispense detergent into the sink without occupying horizontal space where dishes would be placed, thereby maintaining compatibility with dishes already in the sink.
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 efficient, economical, and waste-free filling of sinks with the appropriate amount of soapy water concentrate, reducing waste and simplifying the dishwashing process while allowing for adjustable detergent concentration based on water pressure and temperature.
Implementation Method 1
water pressure dissolves the detergent, creating a controlled release of soapy water concentrate
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method that delivers a soapy water liquid concentrate solution to a sink as the sink is filled by a stream of water from a spout. The device includes a container having a sidewall and a top wall forming an interior. The top wall includes an inlet aperture therein. The container includes at least one outlet opening. The container has within the interior a predetermined quantity of water soluble, detergent. A handle is secured to the container forming a loop above the top wall. An attachment assembly is operably securable to the spout. The attachment assembly has a first stop for retaining the handle and suspending the container therefrom. The first stop positions the container in a dispensing position wherein the inlet aperture is disposed below the spout and in the stream of water. The attachment assembly has a second stop for retaining the container in a non-dispensing position wherein the inlet aperture is not within the stream of water.