Blister Pack Piercing Mechanism for Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blister packs are ineffective in housing and dispensing liquids or flowable materials due to the complete removal of the foil covering, which results in spillage, and are not suitable for storing and dispensing powders or gels.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-controlled release mechanism is integrated into individual compartments of a blister pack dispenser, featuring various piercing members that allow controlled dispensing of liquids, gels, or dry flowable materials, preventing accidental discharge and enabling single-use portions of multiple products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the foil covering is completely removed to access contents, then the user can easily access the product, but liquid spills out and cannot be contained
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member is divided into distinct functional zones: a piercing edge for penetrating the foil, a beveled surface for controlled separation, and a flared portion for directing flow. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function, enabling easy access while preventing spillage through controlled liquid direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The piercing member acts as an intermediary between the user's action (pressing) and the foil covering. It mediates the force application to create a controlled opening rather than complete removal, allowing access while maintaining containment through the flared portion that directs liquid flow.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional blister packs are used for liquids, then manufacturing is simple, but they cannot effectively house or dispense liquids or flowable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member incorporates local quality variations in its geometry: a sharp edge at the piercing point for penetration, a beveled surface at an optimal angle for controlled foil separation, and a flared portion for liquid direction. This localized geometric variation enables reliable liquid containment and dispensing while maintaining compatibility with conventional blister pack manufacturing processes.
3Ease of operation
If the piercing member has a sharp edge only, then it can penetrate the foil, but it cannot control the release or prevent accidental discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member's geometry creates a dynamic release mechanism: the sharp edge enables initial penetration, the beveled surface creates a progressive separation as force is applied, and the flared portion provides a controlled opening that requires sustained pressure to maintain. This dynamic geometric design prevents accidental discharge while enabling easy intentional piercing.
4Ease of manufacture
If the piercing member is simple in design, then manufacturing is easy, but it cannot provide precise release control for single-use portions
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member utilizes parameter changes in its geometric dimensions: the sharp edge has a specific radius for penetration, the beveled surface has a controlled angle for separation, and the flared portion has defined dimensions for flow control. These precise geometric parameters enable controlled release for single-use portions while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
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 effectively prevents spills, allows for precise release of products, and can be used for various applications, including hand sanitizers, medications, and advertising, while reducing waste and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
pressure-controlled release mechanism... when pressure is applied to the base layer in an area over the piercing member, the piercing member pierces through the base layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a pressure-controlled release dispenser. More particularly, the present invention relates to a blister pack with individual compartments that can contain a fluid, e.g., hand sanitizer, with a piercing mechanism within an individual compartment that enables pressure-controlled release of single use portions of the fluid contained therein. A blister pack of the present invention can also contain single use portions of dry flowable materials or solid materials.