Adjustable Dosing Cap with Segmented Plug Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional squeeze bottles lack the ability to conveniently, accurately, and quickly dispense a metered dose of liquid, with existing solutions adding complexity, cost, weight, and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A dosing cap system comprising a collar member, a plug member, and a cap member with a metering chamber, allowing adjustable volume settings and secure attachment to various container necks, enabling precise and controlled dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rigid cap structures with dip tubes, pistons, or pump devices are used to provide metered dosing, then metered dosing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into functional segments: a collar member with valve seat, a plug member with sealing elements, and a cap member with metering chamber. Each segment performs a specific function (valve control, sealing, metering) that collectively achieves precise dosing without requiring complex integrated mechanisms like pistons or pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug member is designed to move dynamically between open and closed positions in response to squeezing forces applied to the bottle. This dynamic movement controls fluid flow through the valve seat and into the metering chamber, enabling metered dosing through simple mechanical motion rather than complex actuation mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If rigid cap structures with dip tubes, pistons, or pump devices are used to provide metered dosing, then metered dosing capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug member utilizes flexible sealing elements and elastomeric materials that can be molded into complex shapes in a single manufacturing process. This approach eliminates the need for multiple precision-machined parts like metal pistons or pump components, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining metered dosing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (sealing, valve control, metering chamber formation) are merged into a single integrated cap assembly that can be molded as one piece or easily assembled from few components. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dip tubes, pistons, and pump devices, reducing both part count and manufacturing cost.
3Measurement precision
If rigid cap structures with dip tubes, pistons, or pump devices are used to provide metered dosing, then metered dosing capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly utilizes lightweight polymeric materials and flexible sealing elements instead of heavy metal components like pistons, pumps, or rigid dip tubes. This material substitution dramatically reduces cap weight while maintaining the structural integrity needed for metered dosing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses molded polymeric structures that replicate the functional geometry of traditional rigid metering mechanisms without requiring the actual metal components. The cap member with its metering chamber and the plug member with sealing elements create flow restriction and metering effects through carefully designed polymer geometries rather than precision-machined metal parts.
4Measurement precision
If rigid cap structures with dip tubes, pistons, or pump devices are used to provide metered dosing, then metered dosing capability is improved, but rigidity burden is added to the flexible squeeze bottle
Solution Approach 1:
The entire cap assembly is constructed from flexible polymeric materials that match the compliance of the squeeze bottle body. The plug member's elastomeric sealing elements and the cap member's flexible construction allow the cap to deform harmoniously with the bottle during squeezing, preventing stress concentration and maintaining the bottle's inherent flexibility and portability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a dosing cap (10). In an embodiment, the dosing cap (10) includes (A) a collar member (12). The collar member (12) has an annular skirt (18) depending from a base (16)(B). An inner surface of the skirt has a securing member for securing the collar member to a neck (21) of a container (20). The base (B) has (i) a top surface (30) and a bottom surface (32), (ii) a valve seat (34) is present on the top surface of the base. The valve seat has a center channel (36), and a radial channel (38), the channels extend through the base. The dosing cap includes (C) a plug member (40). The plug member is composed of a polymeric material. The plug member has the following components in inter-connected relationship: a head (42), a body (44), a leg (46), an ankle (48), and a flexible foot (50). The leg extends through the center channel, such that the head opposes the valve seat on the top surface of the base and the foot opposes the bottom surface of the base. The dosing cap further includes (D) a cap member (112) having an annular sidewall (118) extending from a dispensing element (114). An inner surface of the annular sidewall has an attachment member adjustably attached to a reciprocal attachment member on an outer surface of skirt. The dosing cap includes (E) a metering chamber (120). The metering chamber is formed by an enclosed volume between the cap member and the base. The dispensing element (F) permits flow of a fluid from the metering chamber.