Moisture-Retaining Wipe Container With Controlled Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container systems for pre-moistened sheet wipes face challenges in secure retention and dispensing, leading to issues like multiple wipes being dispensed at once or moisture loss, while also being non-recyclable due to bonded materials.
Innovation Solution
A container system comprising a cylindrical canister with a paper-based sidewall, a polymer lid, and a removable liner, featuring a cap with a lid base, collar, and protrusions that facilitate secure dispensing and easy detachment for recyclability, while maintaining moisture retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional container systems use simple cylindrical canisters with snap-on or screw lids, then the container structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the dispensing mechanism is inadequate leading to multiple wipes being dispensed at once or wipes drying out
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into multiple functional components: a lid base with a dispensing aperture and retaining wall, a collar with engagement features, and a rotatable lid. The retaining wall creates a dispensing cavity that controls wipe release, while the collar provides attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively without overcomplicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining wall acts as an intermediary element between the wipes and the dispensing aperture. It creates a controlled interface where wipes are retained until needed, then released one at a time through the aperture. This intermediary structure solves the problem of uncontrolled dispensing while maintaining simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is rotatably connected to the lid base, then the lid can be opened and closed conveniently, but the sealing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism uses a bead on the lid that engages with a groove in the lid base, creating a sealed interface at the same level. This equipotential sealing approach allows the lid to rotate open and closed while maintaining an effective seal when closed, without requiring complex gaskets or multi-component sealing systems.
3Reliability
If conventional container systems use bonded composite materials for moisture resistance, then moisture retention is improved, but the materials cannot be recycled due to permanent adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture-retaining liner is made removable from the canister, allowing it to be extracted and separated from the paper-based canister for recycling. The liner can be removed by pulling it away from the canister walls, enabling the paper canister to be recycled while the liner can be processed separately or reused.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire canister moisture-resistant through bonded composite materials, only the specific areas that require moisture protection are treated. The liner provides localized moisture retention where needed, while the rest of the paper canister remains recyclable.
4Strength
If protrusions are disposed within through-holes to attach the cap to the canister, then the attachment is secure, but the detachment for recycling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. The protrusions fit into through-holes to provide secure attachment during use, but can be easily removed by applying force to overcome the frictional engagement. This dynamic approach allows the connection to be strong when needed but easily separable for recycling.
Data Source
AI summary
The container system includes a cylindrical canister with a base and a sidewall featuring multiple through-holes, and a removable liner positioned within the canister. A cap, comprising a lid base with a sectional protrusion defined by a perforation, may retain a sheet wipe. The cap may include a collar with multiple protrusions on its inner surface, retaining tabs extending from the lid base, and a lid that is integral to the collar and rotatably connected to the lid base. The lid base may include a cylindrical protrusion opposite the collar and retaining tabs, while the lid has first and second cylindrical protrusions. When closed, the lid base protrusion may be disposed between the lid's protrusions, forming a moisture transfer resistant seal. Each protrusion May align with a through-hole, with portions of the sidewall and liner disposed between the retaining tabs, collar, and sidewall surfaces to ensure secure assembly and functionality.