Adjustable Flow Insert for Multi-Phase Oral Composition Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-phase oral composition dispensers are unable to adjust the ratio of ingredients post-manufacture, limiting user customization and flexibility in dispensing proportions of visually, chemically, or texturally distinct streams.
Innovation Solution
A flow control assembly within a dispenser that includes a housing with a flowpath and an adjustable insert, allowing selective blockage of channels to vary the ratio of streams dispensed through a discharge orifice, enabling users to customize the proportions of multi-phase compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed componentry dispenser is used, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the ratio of streams cannot be adjusted by the user after manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flow control insert movable within the housing, allowing it to be positioned at different locations along the flow path. This enables the dispenser to dynamically adjust the mixing ratio of multiple streams by changing the insert's position, transforming a static fixed-ratio dispenser into an adjustable one without requiring complete redesign of the flow control mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control assembly is segmented into separate components: a housing containing the flow path and multiple inserts that can be independently positioned. Each insert can control a specific stream, allowing independent adjustment of each stream's contribution to the final mixture. This segmentation enables flexible ratio adjustment while keeping each individual component relatively simple
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple streams are co-dispensed through separate compartments, then visually distinct multi-phase composition is achieved, but the ratio of ingredients is determined at manufacture and cannot be varied
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser enables self-service adjustment by allowing the user to directly manipulate the insert positions within the flow control assembly. The design provides visible indicators of stream mixing ratios and allows users to adjust the ratios themselves without requiring external tools or complex adjustment mechanisms, making the customization process simple and intuitive
3Stability of the object's composition
If a single-compartment dispenser is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the multi-phased attributes are not preserved as the composition is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmentation by dividing the single compartment into multiple flow paths that remain separated throughout the dispensing process. Each stream travels through its own designated channel within the housing, preventing premature mixing. The streams are kept separate until they reach the discharge orifice, ensuring multi-phase attributes are preserved from loading through complete depletion while using a single compartment structure
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device for dispensing a multi-phase oral composition. The device includes a housing, a restrictor and an insert that fits within and cooperates with the housing and restrictor to dispense the oral composition. A flowpath is formed in and around the insert, as well as in the housing such that the composition passes through one or more channels defined by the cooperative arrangement of the insert and housing. Changes in relative position between the insert and the housing facilitate selective alignment of the various channels with a discharge orifice formed in the housing such that a user can vary the way the proportions of discreet fluids making up the oral composition are dispensed through the orifice.