One-Handed Pump Dispenser with Transverse Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pump dispensers are inefficient for one-handed application of cleaning and disinfecting compositions to substrates like paper towels, as they require one hand to hold and activate the dispenser and another hand to hold the substrate, and existing solutions either require water activation or sealed packaging.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing package with a container holding a fluid and a stationary dispensing pad, where the actuator moves relative to the container when depressed, allowing for controlled application of the cleaning composition directly to the substrate with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional trigger sprayers or pump dispensers are used, then the cleaning composition can be dispensed, but one hand must hold and activate the dispenser while another hand holds the substrate, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is divided into two separate components: a stationary dispensing pad assembly and a movable actuator. The dispensing pad remains fixed to the container while the actuator moves relative to it during operation, enabling one-handed use where the substrate holds the dispensing pad stationary and the thumb actuates the pump
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to move in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container, creating a side-action pumping mechanism. This dimensional change allows the actuator to be positioned and moved perpendicular to the container's main axis, facilitating ergonomic one-handed operation
2Ease of operation
If small actuators are used in existing pump-up dispensers, then the dispenser can be activated, but the hand and substrate must be contracted into a ball, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to be depressed and moved relative to the stationary dispensing pad. This dynamic design enables the actuator to be positioned optimally for thumb operation while maintaining adequate size for comfortable hand and substrate positioning
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the actuator in a direction transverse to the container's longitudinal axis, the design creates space for larger actuator dimensions that are ergonomic for thumb operation, eliminating the need to contract the hand and substrate into a ball shape
3Ease of operation
If wet disinfectant wipes or soap-loaded dish cloths are used, then one hand application is possible, but water activation or sealed packaging is required, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the substrate itself (paper towel, wipe, or cloth) as the container holder and activator. When the user places the substrate over the dispensing pad and applies downward pressure, the substrate's weight and compression automatically activate the pump mechanism, eliminating the need for separate water activation or complex sealed packaging systems
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing pad acts as an intermediary between the substrate and the pump mechanism. It transfers the compression force from the substrate onto the actuator, enabling automatic pump activation without requiring water or complex packaging, while maintaining simple one-handed operation
Data Source
AI summary
A pump dispenser has a large ergonomic actuator designed to ergonomically deliver a composition to a substrate in the consumer's hand without the consumer having to pick up the pump dispenser. The ergonomic design allows the composition to be delivered in a proper aspect ratio to the substrate. The composition can be delivered in such a way that the composition is not aerosolized into the air or delivered to an unintended surface. The method of delivery can be made intuitive to the consumer by providing an actuator skirt that suggests the pumping mechanism or by providing a depiction of a hand or substrate over the pump dispenser. The pump dispenser is also useful for compositions or substrates that are not stable together. The pump dispenser may have a dispensing pad that acts as the pump actuator or alternatively, may have a pump actuator that is separate from the dispensing pad.