Applicator Spring-Driven Axial Displacement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicator dispensers lack reproducibility in filling due to user-dependent unscrewing, leading to inconsistent fluid filling, and previous solutions like the 'pen with retractable tip' mechanism do not ensure consistent filling speed and quantity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of control means of the 'pen with retractable tip' type into an applicator device, where the removable member slides axially in a sealed manner over a determined stroke, allowing for reproducible filling by controlling the axial displacement with a spring mechanism, independent of user force, ensuring consistent injection into a blind sampling space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the removable part is unscrewed by the user to generate vacuum for filling, then the applicator can be filled with fluid product, but the filling is not consistent and reproducible due to user-dependent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the filling operation automatically when the removable part is attached to the base. The spring mechanism self-activates to displace the removable part axially, generating vacuum and filling the applicator without requiring the user to manually unscrew the removable part. This transforms a user-dependent operation into an automatic self-service process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual unscrewing operation is replaced by a spring-driven mechanical displacement system. The spring mechanism automatically displaces the removable part axially to create vacuum for filling, substituting the user's manual rotational unscrewing action with an automated mechanical system that ensures consistent and reproducible filling.
2Ease of operation
If the removable part is completely removed from the base, then the applicator can be brought into contact with the skin, but the vacuum consistency and filling uniformity cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The filling action is performed in advance when the removable part is attached to the base during the closing operation. The spring mechanism automatically displaces the removable part to fill the applicator before the user detaches it. This preliminary filling action ensures uniform and reproducible filling, while the subsequent detachment allows the user to easily access and apply the filled applicator.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable pen-type control mechanism is integrated within the removable part, then the piston can be actuated, but the removable part does not move relative to the reservoir by means of the control means
Solution Approach 1:
The control means of retractable pen type and the axial displacement mechanism are merged into a single integrated system. The control means is configured to directly displace the removable part axially relative to the base, combining the piston actuation function with the removable part displacement function. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate control and displacement mechanisms.
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
Guarantees consistent and reproducible filling of the applicator with the fluid product, as the injection is controlled by the spring mechanism, eliminating user influence on the filling process, and ensuring identical quantity and speed of fluid injection.
Implementation Method 1
an applicator adapted to retain a dose of fluid product from the dip tube by suction generated by the sealed sliding of the tube against the piston lip
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3c
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Device comprising a main part (2) and a removable element (3) that is mounted axially and removably on the main part (2), the removable element (3) sliding in a sealed manner within the main part (2) over a predetermined axial travel, characterized in that it further comprises control means (40, 5, 6, 7) of the "retractable-nib pen" type in order to axially move the removable element (3) with respect to the main part (2) by pressing axially on the removable element (3) toward the main part (2), each axial movement by pressing on the removable element (3) being followed by a return movement from among two types of return movement, specifically a small return movement in the closed position and a large return movement in the gripping position.