Adjustable Dosing Fluid Dispenser for Flexible Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing devices are difficult to use, provide erratic results, and lack the ability to deliver a customizable, metered dose of fluid independently of gravity, with uneven distribution and application.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing device featuring a metering housing, flexible dosing dome, and a combined metering dial and dosing button with nubs and channels that allow for precise control of fluid dispensing, enabling customizable dosing and even distribution, and is designed to function regardless of orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible container with a nozzle tip is squeezed by the user to dispense fluid material, then the fluid can be delivered to a desired location, but the amount of fluid delivered is erratic and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber volume is dynamically adjusted by rotating the dial to different positions, which changes the depth to which the plunger can be inserted. This dynamic volume adjustment allows the user to select different dosage amounts (e.g., 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, or full dose) while maintaining consistent delivery for each selected setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of pump chamber volume by rotating the dial to different positions. Each position corresponds to a specific volume setting that controls how much fluid is drawn into the chamber during the suction stroke and subsequently dispensed during the compression stroke, ensuring consistent dosage for each setting.
2Productivity
If a single one-way check valve is provided as an exit port from the flexible container, then fluid can be urged out under pressure, but the device lacks control over dispensing amount and flow
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed to move dynamically between different positions within the pump chamber, controlled by the depth of insertion which is determined by the dial position. This dynamic movement allows the plunger to control both the amount of fluid drawn in and the amount forced out, providing precise dosage control while maintaining efficient fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism automatically controls the fluid dispensing process. When the user rotates the dial to a selected position and presses the button, the system self-regulates the suction and compression strokes to deliver the predetermined dosage without requiring the user to control the flow manually, ensuring consistent and controlled dispensing.
3Reliability
If the container is held upright when not in use to avoid leakage, then fluid containment is maintained, but the device is not gravity independent and cannot be used in various orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber and valve system automatically prevents leakage regardless of container orientation. The check valve allows fluid to flow in only one direction (into the pump chamber), and the sealed system prevents fluid from leaking out when the container is inverted or held in any orientation, eliminating the need to hold the container upright.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the gravity-dependent containment requirement by implementing a sealed pump chamber with check valves that control fluid flow mechanically rather than relying on gravity to keep the fluid contained. This allows the device to function reliably in any orientation.
4Device complexity
If no valves are employed in the flexible container, then the structure is simple, but the container must be held upright to avoid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve automatically prevents fluid from flowing back into the container when the pump chamber is compressed or when the container is inverted. The valve opens to allow fluid entry during the suction stroke and closes to prevent leakage during compression or when the container is held in any orientation, providing reliable leak prevention with minimal structural complexity.
5Device complexity
If the fluid delivery point is fixed at one location, then the device structure is simple, but the fluid cannot be delivered from any point on the container surface
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber serves as a universal fluid source that can deliver fluid to multiple locations on the container surface. By positioning the pump chamber to engage with the container at a specific point and using the delivery channel to transport fluid to the desired application point, the system can service multiple locations while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
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
The device ensures consistent, customizable dispensing of fluid with each operation, independent of gravity, and allows for even distribution and application, addressing the limitations of prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
fluid from the inside of the fluid container is drawn into the dosing chamber via the fluid inlet opening by vacuum action caused by the return of the flexible dosing dome to its original shape after having been deformed by pressing of the metering dial/dosing button
Implementation Method 2
An inlet valve may be positioned inside the dose chamber above the opening/fluid inlet to prevent fluid that has entered the dose chamber from returning to the fluid container
Implementation Method 3
an outlet valve may be placed in the channel or at either end of the channel to prevent the return of fluid in the fluid delivery channel to the dosing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 1d~2
AI summary
A device for dispensing fluid from a fluid container, the device capable of being set to different discrete and repeatable/equal dispensing amounts, depending on the amount of fluid required to be dispensed by the user for various applications and uses. The device may also be set to an off or closed position to prevent accidental dispensing of fluid when not in use. The device is preferably configured to be affixed to the outer surface of a fluid container, which fluid container is preferably a flexible bag or pouch.