Under-Counter Wipes Dispenser for Surface Space and Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Disinfecting wipes containers occupy valuable countertop or sink surface area, cluttering the space and reducing available surface for other tasks while still needing easy access.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser system that mounts the disinfecting wipes container beneath a mounting surface, such as a countertop or sink, allowing access from above through a funnel and cover configuration that includes a shank for secure attachment and a lid for easy wipe retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the disinfecting wipes container is placed on the countertop surface, then the wipes are easily accessible, but the available surface area for other tasks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of wipesVSAvoidavailable countertop surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The container is moved from the horizontal countertop surface to the vertical dimension by mounting it underneath the countertop. The shank extends through the countertop thickness, positioning the container body in the space below the countertop while maintaining access through the aperture in the lid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the container is mounted underneath the countertop, then the surface area is maximized, but the accessibility of wipes may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable countertop surface areaVSAvoidaccessibility of wipes

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the container mounted underneath the countertop and the user's hand above the countertop. The aperture in the lid provides a passage for the wipe to extend through, and the lid itself can be manipulated from above to access the wipes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of substance

If the container is fully enclosed to prevent disinfectant evaporation, then product loss is reduced, but access to wipes becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfectant evaporationVSAvoidwipe retrieval

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is segmented into two parts: the main container body that remains sealed to prevent evaporation, and the lid that can be opened to access the wipes. This segmentation allows the container to maintain its protective enclosure while providing easy access points for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10064524B2Dispenser system for disposable wipes

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 KOHLER CO(US)

AI summary

A disposable wipes dispenser system includes a case that houses a disposable wipes container and a cover that is mounted to a mounting hole disposed within a mounting surface. The case engages the cover from below the mounting surface, and the disposable wipes are accessible from above the mounting hole when the case is engaged with to the cover.