Wall-Mounted Wipe Dispenser with Self-Sealing Cover to Prevent Dry-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wipe dispensers allow air to dry out pre-moistened wipes and can harbor bacteria, while also occupying valuable surface space in healthcare facilities, and are often difficult to install, remove, and replace.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mounted wipe dispenser system with a self-sealing cover and easy installation/removal features, utilizing a wall mount support bracket with mating structures for proper alignment and sealing, reducing the need for surface space and preventing wipe dry-out or contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dispensers are used to house disposable wipe cartridges, then wipes are contained and dispensed, but air gaps allow ambient air to dry out pre-moistened wipes and harbor bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the conventional dispenser design by introducing a separate seal member that engages with the cartridge opening. This seal member can be removed and replaced independently, allowing the sealing function to be optimized without redesigning the entire dispenser structure. The seal member creates a barrier that prevents air gaps between the lid and cartridge, eliminating the pathway for air contamination and moisture loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a seal member that can be made of flexible material to conform to the cartridge opening geometry. This flexible seal creates an effective barrier against air infiltration while maintaining compatibility with the rigid dispenser structure. The thin film nature of the seal allows it to flex during cartridge insertion and removal while maintaining the sealed environment.
2Ease of operation
If conventional dispensers are placed on surface space, then they are accessible and usable, but valuable surface space is occupied and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the dispenser from a surface-mounted configuration to a wall-mounted configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension and wall surface area instead of horizontal tabletop space. This dimensional change allows the dispenser to be mounted on walls, door frames, or other vertical surfaces, freeing up valuable horizontal surface space while maintaining accessibility through strategic placement in high-traffic areas.
3Area of stationary object
If wall mounting is used to save surface space, then surface space is freed, but installation and replacement require extra labor and are not readily removable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dispenser system into separable components: the dispenser body mounted on the wall and the cartridge that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the permanent wall-mounted portion to remain fixed while the consumable cartridge portion can be easily swapped without requiring tools or complex procedures. The cartridge interface is designed with simple engagement features that allow quick attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser design incorporates user-friendly features that enable end-users to perform cartridge replacement without requiring professional installation services. The cartridge insertion and removal process is designed to be intuitive and tool-free, allowing healthcare workers or facility staff to maintain the dispenser themselves. This self-service capability reduces the labor burden associated with frequent cartridge changes while maintaining the wall-mounted space-saving configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A wipe dispenser and related methods are disclosed herein. In one form, a wall mounted wipe dispensing system is disclosed comprising a wall mount support bracket, a dispensing bag of wipes having a rigid collar from which to suspend the dispensing bag from the wall mount support bracket, and wherein the wall mount support bracket and dispensing bag have first mating structures for mating the dispensing bag to the wall mount support bracket. In other forms, a wall mounted support bracket is disclosed and/or replaceable wipe packaging is disclosed. In still other forms methods related to these are also disclosed.