Self-Adhesive Applicator With Pressure Valve Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing self-adhesive product applicators, such as the Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel product, face user confusion regarding proper usage, limiting their appeal and applicability, and are restricted in the types of products they can dispense effectively.

Innovation Solution

A user-friendly, ergonomic applicator device with an automatic dispensing mechanism that allows for single-handed operation, featuring a plunger and guide rod system to advance the self-adhesive product through a discharge outlet in response to manual actuation, enabling easy and controlled application without the need for thumbs-free operation or complex button depression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a button depression mechanism is used for dispensing, then a controlled dose of product can be delivered, but user confusion and complexity of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedose controlVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the button component entirely from the dispensing mechanism. Instead of requiring button depression, the system uses a simple push-action where the user directly pushes the dispensing head against the surface, and the product is automatically dispensed through a valve mechanism that opens under pressure and closes when pressure is released.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing valve is designed to automatically open and close based on the applied pressure from the user's push action. The system self-regulates the dispensing process without requiring the user to operate buttons or switches, eliminating the complexity of manual control mechanisms while maintaining dose control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a complex button mechanism is required, then precise product dispensing can be achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct dispensing precisionVSAvoidapplicator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The button mechanism is completely removed from the design. The dispensing precision is achieved through a pressure-activated valve system that automatically controls product flow based on the user's natural pushing motion, eliminating the need for complex manual control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual button-actuated mechanical system is replaced with a pressure-sensitive valve mechanism that responds automatically to the force applied by the user during the pushing motion. This substitution simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining controlled dispensing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If simultaneous forward pushing and button depression are required, then product can be dispensed, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct applicationVSAvoidsingle-handed operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the dispensing trigger mechanism with the pushing motion itself. The act of pushing the applicator forward against the surface simultaneously activates the pressure valve to dispense product, merging two previously separate actions (pushing and button depression) into one unified motion that is naturally performed during application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically dispenses product in response to the user's natural pushing motion without requiring separate control inputs. The pressure-activated valve self-regulates product flow based on the applied force, making the device as easy to operate as simply pushing it against the surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 simplifies the dispensing process, enhances user convenience, and expands the range of self-adhesive products that can be applied effectively, improving user experience and product appeal by providing a consistent and controlled dose application.

Implementation Method 1

a spring positioned within the outer housing and in engagement with the plunger, the spring configured to bias the outer housing in a proximal direction relative to the inner housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Self-adhesive compositions for use in cleaning applications

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2419349B1Applicator for automatically dispensing self-adhesive products
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 SC JOHNSON & SON INC
  • EP2419349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2419349B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2419349B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device employed by a user for applying a self-adhesive product to a surface may include an outer housing configured for gripping by a single hand of the user, the outer housing having a distal end, and a volume of self-adhesive product disposed within the outer housing. An automatic dispensing mechanism is disposed within the outer housing and operatively coupled to the outer housing and the volume of self-adhesive product, the automatic dispensing mechanism configured to advance at least a portion of the volume of self-adhesive product through the outer housing distal end in response to a manual actuation force applied to the outer housing.