Automated Dropper Pump Mechanism for Consistent Liquid Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bulb-droppers for dispensing liquids in personal and beauty care applications lack control and consistency, leading to inconsistent dosing, product adherence to the outer surface, and unsanitary conditions, with issues of excess fluid causing mess and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system comprising a container, collar, and dropper with an actuator that allows controlled dispensing through a mechanism such as an airless system or dual flanged plug valve, enabling precise dosing and minimizing contamination by using a valve system for one-way flow and a piston follower to maintain product integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional bulb-dropper is used for dispensing liquid, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but the dispensing control is inconsistent and user-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual bulb-squeezing mechanical system with an automated pump mechanism that uses a drive shaft and pump element to control liquid dispensing. This substitution eliminates user-dependent variability while maintaining device simplicity through integrated automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The dropper assembly is designed to automatically return to its initial position after dispensing through the spring mechanism that pushes the drive shaft back. This self-resetting feature enables consistent repeated dispensing without manual intervention, improving operational consistency while keeping the device simple.
2Quantity of substance
If the bulb is squeezed hard or multiple times, then more product is dispensed, but the product adheres to the outer surface of the rigid tube causing uncontrolled dripping
Solution Approach 1:
The automated pump mechanism precisely controls the amount of product dispensed through the pump chamber and tube, eliminating the uncontrolled squeezing action that causes product to adhere to the outer surface. The consistent mechanical motion ensures product only exits through the designated opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump chamber acts as an intermediary between the liquid reservoir and the dispensing tube, controlling product flow through the pump element. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct contact between the user's squeezing force and the product, eliminating uncontrolled adherence to the tube surface.
3Ease of operation
If excessive product coats the outer surface of the rigid tube, then the dropper can be set down outside its case, but unwanted transfer of product to surfaces and contamination of the container occur
Solution Approach 1:
The automated pump system with controlled dispensing prevents excessive product from coating the outer surface of the tube. The precise mechanical control ensures product only exits through the intended opening, eliminating the contamination risk while maintaining easy handling through the self-resetting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides mechanical feedback that automatically returns the drive shaft and pump element to their initial positions after dispensing. This feedback loop ensures consistent dispensing quantities and prevents product accumulation on external surfaces, reducing contamination risk.
4Ease of operation
If the bulb-dropper is used without controlled dispensing, then the device is simple to use, but inconsistent dosing results occur
Solution Approach 1:
The manual bulb-squeezing system is replaced with an automated pump mechanism that uses a drive shaft, pump element, and spring to control liquid dispensing. This mechanical substitution provides precise, repeatable dosing while maintaining ease of use through simple activation and automatic reset.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism creates periodic action by automatically returning the drive shaft to its initial position after each dispensing cycle. This periodic mechanical motion ensures consistent dosing with each activation, improving manufacturing precision while keeping the device easy to operate.
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 system provides controlled and consistent dispensing of liquids, reducing waste and contamination, while allowing for easy reattachment and reuse of the dropper, enhancing user experience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
Upon release of the bulb, a vacuum is formed, resulting in the drawing of liquid into the ridged tube
Implementation Method 2
the dropper product space or fluid chamber and tube interior are evacuated and then filled with product through the valve
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention related to dispensing devices (100), and more particularly to dispensing devices having a dropper or dispenser (200) associated with a container (900) full of product wherein the dropper (200) may be charged, separated from the container (900), and then used to dispense a product therefrom.