Cam Profiled Lever for Reliable Intra-Nasal Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intra-nasal fluid dispensing devices lack a mechanism to ensure reliable actuation force, leading to inconsistent metered dose delivery and potential for unintended dispensing, particularly for pediatric or elderly users.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing device with a cam profiled lever mechanism that requires a specific force threshold for actuation, featuring commitment and drive portions with varying angles to ensure reliable compression and atomization, providing tactile feedback and preventing accidental discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple pump dispenser mechanism is used, then the device is easy to operate, but it cannot ensure reliable actuation force threshold and consistent metered dose delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile changes the mechanical parameter of force transmission by varying the angle of the cam surface. As the lever moves from the outward to inward position, the cam profile transitions from a shallower angle (commitment portion) to a steeper angle (drive portion), transforming the input force into sufficient compression force on the pump to ensure reliable actuation and consistent metered dose delivery.
2Reliability
If no actuation force threshold is required, then the device is easy to operate for all users, but unintended dispensing cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile is designed to require a minimum actuation force threshold before the pump can be actuated. The commitment portion of the cam profile initially resists lever movement, and only when sufficient force is applied to overcome this resistance does the lever proceed to the drive portion that compresses the pump. This preliminary resistance prevents unintended dispensing while still allowing deliberate actuation.
3Ease of operation
If the cam follower surface has a constant steep angle, then reliable pump compression is achieved, but the user cannot receive tactile feedback and the action is not self-evident
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile is divided into distinct portions with different local characteristics: the commitment portion has a shallower angle that provides initial resistance and tactile feedback to the user, while the drive portion has a steeper angle that reliably compresses the pump. This local differentiation allows the user to feel the transition and understand that sufficient force has been applied, while ensuring reliable pump actuation.
4Reliability
If a single uniform cam surface is used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but it cannot provide both commitment feature and reliable drive action
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile incorporates varying angles along its length, transitioning from a shallower commitment portion to a steeper drive portion. While this creates a more complex geometry than a uniform cam surface, the profile can be manufactured as a single integrated component using standard machining or molding processes, balancing manufacturing feasibility with the need for both commitment feature and reliable drive action.
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
Ensures consistent and controlled dispensing of metered doses with a suitable actuation force, preventing unintended dispensing and ensuring effective atomization of the fluid product, suitable for various user demographics.
Implementation Method 1
The lever has a cam profiled upper end with commitment and drive portions... the cam profiled upper end of the lever is arranged for interaction with the follower surface... ensuring that reliable compression of the compression pump is achieved
Implementation Method 2
cause the pump to compress and pump a dose of the medicament out... reliable compression of the compression pump and atomisation of the medicament
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid product having a dispensing outlet from which the fluid product is dispensable, a supply of the fluid product, a dispensing member mounted for movement in a dispensing direction along an axis X-X from a first position to a second position which causes a dose of the fluid product in the supply to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet, and a finger-operable actuator member mounted for movement in an actuating direction which is generally transverse to the axis.