Bistable Liquid Crystal Dose Indicator for Fluid Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispenser devices with dose indicators face issues of bulkiness, limited dose counting capacity, and energy dependency, particularly with mechanical and electronic counters, which are not adaptable to existing devices and can be difficult to read, especially for the elderly, and may fail due to energy source depletion.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluid dispenser device with a bistable nematic liquid crystal display dose indicator that requires no energy to maintain the display and only a small amount of energy to change it, using an electromechanical converter to generate energy during actuation, such as through interaction between moving parts, eliminating the need for a battery and allowing easy integration into existing devices without modifying their structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical counters are used to display the number of doses, then the device structure can be simple, but the counter becomes bulky and requires significant modification of the device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical counting wheels with electronic display means that can be integrated into the existing device structure without significant modifications. The electronic counter uses a display unit that occupies minimal space compared to mechanical counters, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic counter is designed to be universally adaptable to different fluid dispenser devices without requiring significant structural modifications. The counter integrates with the existing actuation mechanism, allowing the same counting system to work across multiple device types while maintaining a compact form factor.
2Volume of moving object
If mechanical counters with limited display size are used, then the device remains compact, but the number of doses that can be counted is limited and the display becomes difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces limited mechanical display wheels with electronic display means that can show larger numerals and more dose counts within the same physical space. The electronic display provides superior readability while maintaining device compactness, allowing high dose counts (e.g., 200+ doses) to be displayed clearly.
3Loss of information
If electronic counters with LCD displays are used, then the display can show more doses, but the device requires a power supply (battery) that may be exhausted after long storage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-powered electronic counter that harvests energy from the actuation of the fluid dispenser device itself. The counter is powered by the mechanical action of dispensing, eliminating the need for separate batteries or power sources that could deplete during storage. This ensures the counter remains reliable and functional throughout the entire lifespan of the fluid reservoir.
4Loss of information
If electronic counters are integrated into existing fluid dispenser devices, then dose counting capability is added, but the device structure must be significantly modified
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic counter is designed with universal adaptability to work with existing fluid dispenser devices without requiring significant structural modifications. The counter integrates with the existing actuation mechanism and uses the device's own movement to power and operate the display, allowing dose indication to be added while preserving the original device structure.
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 solution provides a reliable, easy-to-read dose indicator that can count high numbers of doses without modifying the device's structure, operates with minimal energy, and is adaptable to various dispenser types, ensuring continuous functionality without battery depletion.
Implementation Method 1
The energy required to change the display is created while the device is being actuated. The interaction between two portions of the device moving relative to each other while the device is being actuated, is advantageously transformed by an electromechanical converter into an electric pulse used to change the display.
Implementation Method 2
a permanent display member, such as a bistable nematic display member, that does not require any energy in order to keep the display unchanged, and that requires only a small amount of energy in order to change said display. The display member is advantageously of the liquid crystal display (LCD) type. The display member advantageously includes bistable nematic crystals.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser device including: a body (1) incorporating a dispenser orifice (5); a reservoir (10) containing the fluid; and a dispenser member (15), such as a metering valve or pump, for selectively dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (10), the device also including a dose indicator having an electronic display the display including a permanent display member (21) that does not require any energy in order to keep the display unchanged, and that requires only a small amount of energy in order to change the display.