Angled Spout Timer for Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid composition dispensing systems face challenges in accurately dispensing measured quantities due to variable flow rates and irregular flow patterns, making it difficult for consumers to use the correct amount of liquid laundry products, leading to dissatisfaction with performance or efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fitment system comprising a spout with an angled design, an immobile partial obstruction, and a timer mechanism that allows for precise control of liquid flow, enabling users to dispense a specific volume by monitoring the timer's dosing indicia, ensuring consistent flow rates and accurate dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If liquid is dispensed through an open end or simple spout, then dispensing is simple and device complexity is low, but flow rate is variable and measurement precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary timer mechanism that uses a fixed volume of liquid flowing through a controlled pathway to measure and control the dispensing duration. This timer acts as a mediator between the user and the dispensing process, providing precise measurement without requiring complex flow rate sensors or control systems. The timer's controlled liquid pathway serves as an intermediary system that standardizes the flow measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of flow control from variable (open end dispensing) to fixed/controlled (through the timer mechanism). By establishing a fixed volume of liquid in the timer that flows through a defined pathway, the system transforms the uncontrolled flow parameter into a controlled one, enabling precise measurement of dispensing quantity through time-based control.
2Measurement precision
If consumer dispenses liquid without precise measurement, then ease of operation is high, but dosing accuracy is poor leading to under-dosing or over-dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The timer mechanism provides self-service measurement by automatically controlling the dispensing duration based on a fixed volume of liquid. The system serves itself by using the timer's internal liquid volume and flow characteristics to determine when to stop dispensing, eliminating the need for the consumer to manually measure or calculate the correct dosage. Users simply operate the dispensing mechanism while the timer handles the measurement function.
3Reliability
If air enters container to replace displaced liquid, then pressure equalization occurs, but liquid flow becomes irregular
Solution Approach 1:
The timer mechanism serves as an intermediary that decouples the air replacement process from the liquid dispensing process. By using a fixed volume of liquid in the timer that flows through a controlled pathway, the system isolates the dispensing measurement from the variable flow conditions caused by air entering the container. This intermediary system maintains reliable flow measurement even when air replacement causes irregularities in the main container's liquid flow.
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 fitment system enables precise and consistent dispensing of liquid compositions, reducing user effort and improving satisfaction by ensuring the right amount of product is used for each load, thereby enhancing the performance and efficiency of liquid laundry products.
Implementation Method 1
a timer engaged with said fitment body, wherein said timer comprises a closed system containing a fixed volume of timer liquid
Implementation Method 2
a spout having an upstream spout inlet and a downstream spout outlet and a spout wall extending from said spout inlet to said spout outlet, wherein said spout inlet has a spout inlet invert and said spout outlet has a spout outlet invert and a straight line connecting said spout inlet invert and said spout outlet invert is oriented at an angle from about 10 to about 85 degrees above said mounting plane
Implementation Method 3
a vent comprising an entrance spaced apart from said spout outlet and a vent wall extending from said entrance to an exit, wherein said exit is in fluid communication with said spout inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A fitment including a fitment body and a peripheral mount engaged with the fitment body. The fitment includes a timer and a spout oriented at an angle with respect to the mounting plane of the peripheral mount.