Liquid Applicator Closure Coupling Sealing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid applicator devices face limitations in the design of the closure coupling, which affects the efficient transfer of liquid from the container to the applicator tip, leading to potential leaks and reduced volume capacity.
Innovation Solution
The improved liquid applicator features a closure coupling with an outer wall annular radially inward projection, a deformable intermediate resilient wall, and an inner wall with a closure annular ring, securely retaining the peripheral rim of the container and enhancing the sealing mechanism between the applicator closure and the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple closure coupling is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing reliability deteriorates leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The closure coupling is divided into three distinct functional segments: an outer wall for structural support, an intermediate resilient wall for elastic retention, and an inner wall for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate resilient wall is designed as a flexible structure that can elastically deform to retain the peripheral rim of the container. This flexible element provides reliable sealing through elastic contact without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the closure coupling is improved with resilient walls, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer wall, intermediate resilient wall, and inner wall are merged into a single integrated closure coupling structure. This combining of functions into one component simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling separate parts, while maintaining the beneficial resilient characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the closure coupling are optimized by selecting materials with appropriate elastic modulus and tensile strength characteristics. These parameter changes enable the resilient wall to function effectively while remaining manufacturable using standard forming processes.
3Loss of substance
If the peripheral rim is securely retained, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate resilient wall is designed to automatically engage and retain the peripheral rim through its elastic deformation. This self-retaining mechanism eliminates the need for additional locking components or complex retention structures, reducing overall device complexity while preventing liquid loss.
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
This design enhances the retention of the applicator liquid, prevents leaks, and increases the volume capacity by ensuring a secure and reliable flow of liquid from the container to the applicator tip, improving the overall dispensing process.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate resilient wall which is deformable for allowing the peripheral rim to pass over the outer wall annular radially inward projection and to engage with an underside surface of the peripheral rim upon insertion of the peripheral rim into the applicator closure
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid applicator is disclosed comprising a liquid container and a liquid dispensing mechanism having a valve element enabling an axial displacement of an applicator tip to move the valve element into the open position for enabling the applicator tip to apply the liquid to a surface. The improvement comprises an applicator closure having a closure coupling for coupling the applicator closure to a peripheral rim of a container. An optional shield may be secured to the applicator closure for providing protection between the applicator tip and an operator grasping the liquid container.