Wafer Dispenser Spring Mechanism for Gum Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of convenient and portable solutions for safely disposing of spent chewing gum, leading to environmental litter and unsanitary conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable device that holds and dispenses small, flat foldable wafers for encapsulating spent gum, featuring a compact design that can be attached to keys, walls, or tables, with a spring mechanism to keep wafers accessible for easy removal and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable device is designed to fit in a pocket or purse, then portability is improved, but the quantity of wafers that can be held is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two distinct embodiments: a portable version for personal use and a tabletop version for public use. This segmentation allows each version to be optimized for its specific context, with the portable version prioritizing compactness and the tabletop version prioritizing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a portable three-dimensional pocket-sized device to a two-dimensional tabletop surface-mounted device. This dimensional change allows the tabletop version to accommodate significantly more wafers while maintaining accessibility, as users can reach across the flat surface to retrieve wafers.
2Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used to keep wafers accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically pushes wafers upward to keep them accessible without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by using the weight of the stacked wafers and spring force to maintain the top wafer in an easily removable position, eliminating the need for manual stacking or positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the stacked wafers and the user. It translates the stored potential energy in the compressed spring into upward force that continuously presents the next wafer for use, mediating between the static stack and the dynamic need for easy access.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is designed to allow wafer removal with pressure, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of wafer retention during transport is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lid features a localized opening specifically positioned and sized to accommodate wafer removal. This local modification allows easy access to the top wafer while the rest of the lid structure remains intact to secure the wafer stack during transport. The opening's specific location and dimensions provide the necessary balance between accessibility and retention.
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 safe and environmentally conscious disposal of chewing gum by providing a convenient and portable means to wrap and dispose of spent gum, suitable for personal use and in public settings like restaurants.
Implementation Method 1
A spring applies pressure to the stack of wafers and keeps the wafers presented to the top of the device where they may be easily removed for individual use.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a portable device designed to hold and dispense wafers used in the containment and disposal of spent chewing gum. The device is small and can be sized to fit in a person's pocket. The wafers are stacked, loaded, and housed in a chamber. When loading, the hinged lid is opened and a stack of wafers are inserted. An elevation spring and associated elevation pad propel the wafers in a position to be dispensed. The wafers are then dispensed by the user who pulls them through a lid opening. Once dispensed, the user wraps the wafer around the spent chewing gum and then disposes.