Capillary Lubricant Packaging for Precise Watch Oil Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication tools for timepieces suffer from inefficiencies such as large lubricant volumes leading to degradation, contamination, and difficulty in handling small amounts, with no suitable compact packaging solutions for watchmakers.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a hollow capillary tube with a movable piston and a second opening for controlled lubricant discharge, made of glass with a wax piston and plastic rod, allowing precise dosing and minimizing contamination, and a kit with sealed plugs for transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large volume of lubricant is packaged in traditional bottles, then the lubricant can be stored for extended periods, but the lubricant degrades over time and must be discarded, causing loss of substance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lubricant packaging into a capillary tube containing a small, precise volume of lubricant (0.02-0.1 ml) rather than using traditional large bottles. This segmentation allows the lubricant to be used completely and quickly after opening, preventing degradation and waste of unused lubricant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the volume parameter from traditional large bottle sizes to a micro-scale volume (0.02-0.1 ml) suitable for watchmaking applications. This parameter change ensures the lubricant is consumed within its usable lifetime, eliminating degradation issues.
2Ease of operation
If a screwdriver is used to take small amounts of lubricant from the bottle, then the lubricant can be dispensed, but the lubricant becomes contaminated and degrades faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lubricant from the large bottle into a sealed capillary tube with a controlled dispensing mechanism. The lubricant is taken out in a sterile, pre-measured amount and protected from contamination until use. The piston-rod mechanism allows clean dispensing without external tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary tube with piston and rod acts as an intermediary device between the lubricant and the user. This intermediary provides a controlled, contamination-free interface for dispensing the lubricant, eliminating the need for screwdrivers or other external tools that could contaminate the lubricant.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional packaging bottles are used, then the lubricant can be stored, but the packaging volume is too large for watchmakers' needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lubricant into a micro-volume capillary tube (0.02-0.1 ml) that is compact and portable for watchmakers. This segmentation reduces the packaging volume from traditional large bottles to a size that fits in a watchmaker's tool kit while providing sufficient lubricant for typical applications.
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
Enables safe, compact, and efficient use of lubricant, preventing degradation and contamination, with easy identification and precise application, ensuring all lubricant is used before expiration.
Implementation Method 1
through which the lubricant flows when pressure is exerted on the piston by means of the movable rod
Data Source
AI summary
A device for packaging a lubricant, the device including a hollow capillary tube intended to contain the lubricant, the tube including, on the one hand, a first opening closed by a piston arranged to cooperate with a rod movable longitudinally in the capillary tube, and on the other hand, a second free opening through which the lubricant flows when pressure is exerted on the piston with the movable rod.