Theft Deterrent Dispenser Mounting Assembly with Spring-Biased Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensers in public environments are prone to theft and difficult to refill or replace, as they are often mounted under counters, making it hard to determine when they are empty and requiring labor-intensive refilling processes.
Innovation Solution
A theft-deterrent liquid dispenser system with a mounting assembly that secures the bottle to a wall or surface using a spring-biased carriage plate and collar mechanism, allowing easy refilling and replacement by depressing a release pin to switch between retracted and extended configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bottle is mounted under the counter, then theft is prevented, but it becomes difficult to determine when the bottle is empty and refilling becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate components: a base that remains fixed to the counter, a carriage plate that moves vertically, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows the bottle to be securely held during use while enabling easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between theft prevention and refilling ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage plate is designed to be dynamic rather than static, capable of moving between a retracted position (for secure mounting) and an extended position (for easy bottle removal). The spring mechanism provides the dynamic movement, allowing the system to adapt between security and accessibility modes.
2Reliability
If the bottle is mounted under the counter, then theft is prevented, but the mounting system becomes complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The complex locking mechanism is extracted from the permanent structure and concentrated into a removable carriage plate assembly. This allows the majority of the mounting system to remain simple and fixed, while only the necessary securing components move with the bottle, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage plate serves as an intermediary component between the fixed base and the removable bottle. It provides the securing function through the collar and release mechanism while maintaining a simple interface with both the base and the bottle, thereby reducing the complexity of the overall mounting system.
3Ease of operation
If a release mechanism is added to enable easy bottle removal, then refilling becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically returns the carriage plate to its retracted position after the release pin is actuated, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems. The system uses its own stored mechanical energy to complete the bottle removal process, adding minimal complexity while maximizing 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
The system effectively prevents theft and simplifies refilling and replacement by securely attaching the bottle, reducing labor and costs associated with frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
spring biased toward an extended configuration relative to the mounting bracket
Implementation Method 2
release pin and spring assembly maintain the carriage plate in a retracted configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser bottle containing liquid may be mounted to a wall by a mounting assembly including a base and a carriage plate. Amounting bracket may be anchored to the wall and the carriage plate is coupled to the mounting bracket and is spring biased toward an extended configuration relative to the mounting bracket. A release pin maintains the carriage plate and base in a retracted configuration. A collar projects from an upper end of the mounting bracket to capture a neck of the bottle. A projection extends upwardly from the base and into a socket on the bottom of the bottle when seated on the base. The combination of the mating socket and projection at the base and the collar around the neck of the bottle inhibits removal of the bottle from the mounting assembly when in the retracted configuration.