Toothpaste Dispenser Rotational Button for Child-Friendly Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for paste products, such as toothpaste, require substantial pressure to operate, making it difficult for children to dispense the product effectively, and modifying existing designs to incorporate longer levers to address this issue is costly due to dimensional changes.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a cylindrical container, a sliding bottom structure for air venting, a flexible diaphragm pumping mechanism, and a rotatable button with an extension element that provides increased leverage for easy operation, allowing for efficient dispensing without altering the device's overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a particularly long lever is provided for dispensing the product, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to distorted overall dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The button is designed to rotate about an axis during actuation, transitioning from an initial position to a final position. This dynamic rotation allows the button to function as a lever with variable effective length, providing mechanical advantage for children while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The rotational movement enables the button to amplify the user's input force without requiring a permanently extended lever structure.
2Ease of operation
If a particularly long lever is provided for dispensing the product, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to new assembly and filling lines
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational button mechanism maintains standard container dimensions, allowing existing assembly and filling lines to be used without modification. The button's rotation about an axis enables lever-like mechanical advantage within the conventional form factor, avoiding the need for expensive new manufacturing infrastructure while still improving ease of operation for children.
3Reliability
If substantial pressure is exerted on the button, then the dispensing function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates for children who are unable to press the button properly
Solution Approach 1:
The button rotates about an axis from an initial position to a final position during actuation. This rotational motion provides mechanical advantage, allowing children to dispense toothpaste with reduced finger strength. The rotation mechanism converts a small input force applied by children into sufficient dispensing pressure, maintaining reliable product release while significantly improving ease of operation for pediatric users.
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
Facilitates the dispensing of paste products with reduced pressure requirements, ensuring easy operation for children while maintaining the device's original dimensions, thus overcoming the drawbacks of prior solutions.
Implementation Method 1
pumping means comprising a flexible diaphragm (30), attached to the top end (6) of the container, and intended to be deformed to push the product into the tube (12)
Implementation Method 2
The bottom structure (8) slides sealingly towards the upper end (6) by low pressure inside the container (2)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A dispenser (1) for paste products, such as toothpaste, comprises a container (2), a pumping diaphragm (30) and a head (10) applied to the container (2). The head (10) is equipped with a tube (12) and a button (40) for acting on the diaphragm (30) and deforming it for dispensing. The button has a pressure surface (44) for a user's dispensing action. The device further comprises an extension element (60', 60") which, in an active position, is arranged as an extension of the pressure surface (44) of the button (40), increasing the leverage effect.