Integrated Tissue Press for Hygienic Door Opening and Waste Compaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing contact with contaminated door knobs in public washrooms, such as foot-operated door openers and motion-activated devices, are either impractical or expensive for widespread installation, and existing tissue dispensers do not adequately address the need for effective hygiene practices.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mounted tissue press with an integrated dispenser and used tissue receptacle made from stainless steel, featuring a top and bottom door with hinges and a tissue compression mechanism, allowing for hands-free tissue dispensing and used tissue storage without direct contact with the door knob, and enabling efficient waste management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foot-operated door openers are used to prevent contact with contaminated door knobs, then hygiene is improved, but the device may scuff and damage shoes and is not suitable for all persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tissue dispenser as an intermediary object between the user and the door knob. Users take a tissue from the dispenser to open the door, avoiding direct contact with the contaminated surface. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing a hygienic solution that is universally applicable and does not damage shoes or require specific physical abilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tissue dispensing function from a separate device and integrates it with the door knob cover, creating a combined unit. This allows the tissue to be readily available at the point of door interaction, eliminating the need for users to search for tissues elsewhere while maintaining hygiene.
2Reliability
If motion activated door openers are used to prevent contact with contaminated door knobs, then hygiene is improved, but the device is very expensive and installation in public washrooms may not be practical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable tissues as a low-cost alternative to expensive motion-activated door openers. The tissue dispenser provides a simple, inexpensive mechanism that achieves the same hygiene goal without requiring complex sensors, motors, or expensive installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue acts as a simple intermediary object that enables hygienic door opening without requiring expensive automated systems. This mediator approach provides an cost-effective solution suitable for widespread installation in public washrooms.
3Reliability
If tissue dispensers are used to provide tissues for door opening, then hygiene is improved, but existing dispensers do not adequately address the need for effective hygiene practices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tissue dispenser with the door knob cover and integrates a used tissue receptacle into a single unified device. This combination ensures that tissues are readily available for door opening, provides a designated receptacle for used tissues, and creates a complete hygiene station that addresses all aspects of hygienic door opening practice.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it dispenses clean tissues for door opening, covers the door knob to reduce contamination, and provides a receptacle for used tissues. This multi-functional design makes the device adaptable to complete hygiene practices throughout the door opening process.
4Productivity
If used tissue receptacles are provided for storing discarded tissues, then waste management is improved, but space is consumed that could be used for storing clean tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the internal space of the device into distinct compartments: one for clean tissues and one for used tissues. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist within the same device volume, enabling efficient waste management while preserving adequate space for clean tissue storage through organized spatial division.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall-mounted tissue press that combines a dispenser and receptacle into one integrated unit that dispenses, receives, compacts and temporarily stores, tissue paper. By a combination of internal components, a ram is created to compress stored waste, and effectively increase the capacity of said receptacle.