Wall-Mounted Wipe Dispenser for ADA-Compliant Vertical Hanging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dispensing systems for pre-saturated cleaning wipes in public settings face issues such as frequent replacement, theft, space limitations, and non-compliance with accessibility regulations, particularly for wheelchair users, due to their size and lack of suitable mounting options.

Innovation Solution

A wall-mountable dispenser system that clamps a bag of pre-saturated wipes and saturating fluid, allowing for optimal placement without additional support, reducing theft, and accommodating varying heights for accessibility, while using minimal space and being ADA compliant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If large quantities of wipes are stored in large cannisters, then the quantity of wipes available is increased, but the space required and susceptibility to theft increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of wipesVSAvoidspace required
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pliable bag containing wipes is nested within or against the wall surface, with the dispenser unit mounted on the wall. The bag hangs vertically utilizing wall space rather than occupying floor or shelf space, allowing large quantities of wipes to be stored in a compact footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system transitions from horizontal placement (cannisters on shelves or floors) to vertical hanging configuration. The bag hangs down from the wall-mounted dispenser, utilizing the vertical dimension to store large quantities of wipes without increasing the horizontal footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If cannisters are placed in accessible locations for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but susceptibility to theft increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidtheft
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the storage function (pliable bag against the wall) from the dispensing function (wall-mounted dispenser unit). The dispenser remains fixed and secure on the wall, while wipes are dispensed through a controlled opening, making removal of the entire product difficult while maintaining easy access for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wall-mounted dispenser acts as an intermediary between the stored wipes and users. It provides a controlled access point where wipes can be dispensed easily while the main storage reservoir remains secured against the wall, preventing theft while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If dispensers are mounted at standard heights for accessibility, then ease of operation for wheelchair users is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveADA complianceVSAvoidmounting requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall-mounted dispenser is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate various wall types and heights. The clamp mechanism can be adjusted to different positions and angles, allowing installation at ADA-compliant heights while maintaining structural integrity across different installation environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp mechanism incorporates adjustable and adaptable mounting features that can be configured for different wall surfaces and height requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the dispenser to be installed at optimal heights for wheelchair accessibility without requiring complex custom mounting solutions for each location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11638505B2Wipe dispensing system
Publication Date: 2023.05.02 CONTEC INC
  • US11638505B2 patent drawing
  • US11638505B2 patent drawing
  • US11638505B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wipe dispensing system including a wall-mountable dispenser adapted to clamp a bag of wipes and optional saturating fluid in place in hanging relation below the dispenser such that no additional support structure is required. The mounting locations can be selected to provide access at varying heights directly against a wall without relying on a shelf thereby promoting availability to wheelchair users. Moreover, very little space is required since the bags hang down against the support wall thereby maintaining a relatively small outwardly projecting profile.