Angled Cap with Dual Channels for Gravity-Fed Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing devices for nasal irrigation and body cavity rinsing are ineffective due to a coaxial conduit design that prevents optimal orientation for gravity-fed liquid dispensing and lack of air venting, requiring users to manually squeeze the container to force liquid into the nasal cavity.
Innovation Solution
A cap with an elongated body featuring a first channel for liquid flow and a second channel for air intake, allowing the cap to be tilted for gravity-fed dispensing, with a sloped tip and adjustable air flow control using an obturator or stopper to facilitate simultaneous liquid outflow and air inflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conduit is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the liquid container, then the structural alignment is simple, but the user cannot optimally orient the container for gravity-fed liquid dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is divided into two segments: a first conduit portion extending from the cap opening at an angle to the longitudinal axis, and a second conduit portion extending into the container. This segmentation allows the cap to be oriented at an optimal angle for gravity-fed dispensing while the conduit maintains proper connection to the container, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If there is only one opening in the cap for liquid flow, then the cap structure is simple, but air cannot vent into the container to permit effective gravity feed of liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The cap opening is segmented into two distinct openings: a first opening for liquid flow and a second opening for air venting. This segmentation allows both liquid and air to flow simultaneously through the cap, enabling effective gravity-fed dispensing without requiring manual squeezing, while maintaining a relatively simple cap structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both liquid dispensing and air venting functions into a single cap component. The first opening handles liquid flow while the second opening handles air venting, allowing the cap to perform multiple functions simultaneously and enable gravity-fed dispensing without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the user must squeeze the container to force liquid into the nasal cavity, then no additional venting structure is needed, but the dispensing process requires manual effort and cannot utilize gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into two separate channels: one for liquid flow and one for air flow. This segmentation allows gravity to drive liquid flow through the first opening while air simultaneously enters through the second opening, eliminating the need for manual squeezing and enabling gravity-utilizing dispensing with minimal increase in device complexity.
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
Enables efficient, gravity-driven liquid dispensing without manual squeezing, allowing for optimal head positioning and controlled flow rates, improving the effectiveness and ease of use for nasal irrigation and other liquid dispensing applications.
Implementation Method 1
the conduit through which liquid flows out of the cap in these known assemblies is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the liquid container. As a result, the degree to which the user would comfortably tilt her head to present her sinuses in the desired orientation to receive liquid for nasal rinsing, for example, would not permit the container to be optimally oriented to dispense liquid under the force of gravity.
Implementation Method 2
In order for liquid to flow out of a fixed volume space (i.e., a container which is not squeezed) under the force of gravity, air must flow into the space to displace the liquid.
Data Source
AI summary
A cap and container assembly is disclosed which may be used for human body cavity irrigation or other liquid dispensing activities. The cap may include a first channel extending from a base through a neck portion to an opening in a tip portion of the cap. A side body defining a second channel may extend from the first channel near the neck portion of the cap to an opening at a distal end of the side body. An axial dimension of the tip portion may extend at an angle relative to an axial dimension of the neck portion. Liquid may flow out of the first channel under the influence of gravity and as a result of control of air flow into the second channel.