Bellows Pump Fluid Dispenser for Viscous Skin Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid dispensers for skin applications are inefficient, messy, and uncomfortable to use, particularly for viscous fluids, as they require squeezing or pumping and cannot be operated in inverted positions, leading to uneven application and waste.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held fluid dispensing apparatus with a resilient liner and a pump assembly that uses a bellows member to generate positive and negative pressure, allowing for efficient dispensing of fluids onto the skin without the need for squeezing or pumping, and enabling operation in any orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a porous roller or pad is used to meter fluid, then fluid can be dispensed, but the applicator cannot be operated in inverted positions and is limited to less viscous fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pump assembly that uses pneumatic pressure differentials to deliver fluid through a hollow roller. The pump chamber creates positive pressure to force viscous fluid through the roller, eliminating the need for gravity-dependent inverted operation while handling thicker fluids effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically through the pump mechanism, allowing the same applicator to handle various fluid viscosities by adjusting the pressure generated in the pump chamber, thereby expanding adaptability across different fluid types and application orientations.
2Quantity of substance
If the entire container volume must be squeezed to deliver a small amount of fluid, then fluid can be delivered, but the operation becomes tedious and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed to deliver precise amounts of fluid automatically based on the actuation mechanism, eliminating the need for the user to manually squeeze the entire container. The system self-regulates the fluid delivery quantity through its pump chamber and valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual squeezing mechanism is replaced with a pump assembly that uses a different mechanical system (bellows or piston) to control fluid delivery. This substitution allows for precise, comfortable operation without requiring the user to apply significant force to the entire container.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional bottles require pouring onto palms and spreading, then fluid can be applied, but the process is messy and makes uniform layer application difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow roller acts as an intermediary between the pump assembly and the skin surface. It receives fluid from the pump and delivers it in a controlled manner, eliminating the need for manual pouring onto palms and enabling uniform layer application through its rolling motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic pump system delivers fluid directly to the roller under controlled pressure, eliminating the messy intermediate step of pouring onto palms. The fluid is transferred efficiently from the pump chamber through the roller to the skin in a clean, controlled process.
4Productivity
If aerosol spray devices are used to deliver lotion, then fluid can be applied quickly, but cost, waste, flammability, and inhalation risks are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly uses safe pneumatic pressure generation (via bellows or piston) instead of aerosol propellants. This delivers fluid quickly through the hollow roller while eliminating flammability and inhalation risks associated with aerosol chemistry.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerosol spray mechanism is replaced with a mechanical pump system using a bellows or piston. This substitution maintains the speed of fluid application while removing the harmful chemical components and associated risks of aerosol devices.
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 apparatus provides a faster, more effective, and less messy method for applying fluids to the skin, ensuring uniform coverage and reducing waste, while being comfortable to use and suitable for a range of fluid viscosities.
Implementation Method 1
Each movement of the actuator in the first direction reduces the volume of the variable volume chamber for generating positive pressure in the pump chamber and forcing fluid through the valve and to the applicator assembly
Implementation Method 2
Each movement of the actuator in the second direction increases the volume of the variable volume chamber and generates negative pressure within the pump chamber for drawing fluid through the at least one inlet opening
Implementation Method 3
The bellows member seals against the inner surface of the pump chamber during extension and contraction for defining a variable volume chamber with the pump chamber
Implementation Method 4
forcing fluid through the valve and to the applicator assembly for dispensing the fluid
Implementation Method 5
A valve is at an outlet end of the opening through the bellows member
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer assembly comprises a housing for accommodating a fluid. A bellows member disposed in the housing defines an opening therethrough adapted to be in fluid communication with an applicator assembly. The bellows member is adapted to operatively engage the applicator assembly for extension in a first direction and contraction in a second direction. The bellows member seals against the inner surface of the housing during extension and contraction for defining a variable volume chamber with the housing. Expansion of the bellows member in the first direction reduces the chamber volume for generating positive pressure in the housing and forcing fluid through a valve to the applicator assembly. Contraction of the bellows member in the second direction increases the chamber volume for generating negative pressure within the housing for drawing fluid into the chamber.