Removable Cap Expulsion Feature for Liquid Dispensing Residual Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing devices face issues with residual liquid stagnation near the dispensing opening, leading to increased active ingredient concentration, potential microbial contamination, and the risk of delivering solid particles due to evaporation and precipitation, which affects dose precision and safety.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing device with a removable cap featuring a form for expelling residual liquid, positioned to evacuate it towards an absorption pad, preventing stagnation and contamination, and incorporating a mechanism to control evaporation during storage to maintain dose precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If residual liquid is allowed to remain near the dispensing opening for storage, then the device is ready for immediate use, but the active ingredient concentration increases and precipitates form leading to dose inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the residual liquid from the harmful environment near the dispensing opening by introducing an absorption pad that selectively absorbs the residual liquid. This removes the source of concentration increase and precipitation while maintaining device readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption pad acts as an intermediary element between the residual liquid and the dispensing opening. It captures the residual liquid through absorption, preventing direct contact with the dispensing opening and eliminating the harmful effects of stagnation.
2Device complexity
If residual liquid stagnates near the dispensing opening, then no additional components are needed, but microbial contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption pad extracts and removes the residual liquid from the stagnation zone, eliminating the culture medium that would support microbial growth. This prevents contamination without requiring complex sterilization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption pad provides self-service by automatically absorbing residual liquid through its hydrophilic properties, creating a dry environment that naturally inhibits microbial growth without requiring active intervention or complex mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cap is hermetically sealed during storage, then evaporation of residual liquid is prevented, but liquid may diffuse through device walls such as the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption pad takes out and absorbs the residual liquid that would otherwise be subject to diffusion through device walls. By removing the liquid from the system, it prevents loss through diffusion while maintaining hermetic sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption pad serves as an intermediary that captures residual liquid before it can diffuse through the valve or other device walls. It intercepts the liquid flow path, preventing unintended diffusion while allowing hermetic sealing during storage.
4Manufacturing precision
If an absorption pad is added to capture residual liquid, then dose precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is enhanced to integrate the absorption pad, allowing the cap to simultaneously perform its traditional sealing function and the new function of residual liquid absorption. This multi-functionality adds dose precision capability without requiring a completely separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption pad is nested within the cap structure, specifically positioned in the cavity formed by the cap and nozzle. This nesting approach incorporates the additional functionality within the existing device footprint, minimizing space requirements and structural complexity.
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 ensures more reproducible and precise delivery of the active ingredient, reduces the risk of overdose or contamination, and improves the aesthetic and functional reliability of the device by preventing residual liquid stagnation and microbial growth.
Implementation Method 1
the expulsion feature located in the immediate vicinity of the liquid distribution opening expels most of the residual liquid downstream of the opening, specifically towards the nearby residual liquid absorption pad
Implementation Method 2
residual liquid absorption pad positioned downstream of the distribution opening
Implementation Method 3
an evaporation path for the residual liquid between the buffer and the outside of the device when the cap is fitted
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6B
Figure 7~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for dispensing liquid comprising an opening (22, 50) for dispensing liquid, a pad (48) for absorbing residual liquid and a removable cap (16) comprising a shape in the immediate vicinity and opposite the dispensing opening (22, 50), referred to as a shape (46) for expelling residual liquid, configured to discharge the residual liquid toward the pad (48) when the cap (16) is mounted on the device (10).