Multi-component Cartridge Axial Guide and Rotary Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing apparatuses for multi-component masses face challenges in simplifying the placement of the dispensing tube without damaging the flexible mixing coil and ensuring accurate alignment, leading to potential unwanted mixing and mechanical damage.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing apparatus with a multi-component cartridge and mixer housing designed as a single piece, featuring a rotary cap and axial guide elements that allow precise axial displacement and secure locking, preventing premature mixing and ensuring error-free alignment of the mixer housing onto the mixer element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible mixing coil is used in the dispensing tube, then the dispensing tube can be rotated into the desired position, but the placement becomes complicated and the mixing coil is sensitive to mechanical damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidplacement simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing coil is segmented into multiple individual mixing elements arranged in parallel within the dispensing tube. Each mixing element is a separate component that can be independently placed and secured, eliminating the complexity of handling a single flexible coil while maintaining the rotation capability through the modular structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing elements are pre-assembled in a fixed configuration within the dispensing tube before final assembly. The guide elements are pre-positioned to ensure correct alignment, and the mixing elements are preliminarily secured to prevent displacement during operation, thereby simplifying the overall placement process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the dispensing tube is placed over the mixing coil without proper guidance, then placement may be simplified, but the mixing coil may be damaged or misaligned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement simplicityVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Guide elements act as intermediary components between the dispensing tube and the mixing elements. These guide elements provide a mechanical interface that ensures the dispensing tube is correctly aligned with the mixing elements during placement, preventing damage while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex mechanical handling of a flexible coil is replaced with a rigid structured system using multiple discrete mixing elements and guide elements. This mechanical substitution provides inherent alignment guidance through the geometric constraints of the guide elements, ensuring reliable placement without requiring complex manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the cap is displaced between open and locked positions, then dispensing can be controlled, but tilting of the cap may occur causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing controlVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to be displaced between open and locked positions for dispensing control. The system transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, enabling controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by preventing excessive displacement or tilting of the cap. The locking elements are designed to engage before damage can occur, cushioning against unintended movements and protecting the mixing elements from mechanical damage while still allowing controlled operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If closure elements are used to seal dispensing openings, then components remain separate, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure elements are merged with the cap structure, integrating the sealing function into the existing cap rather than adding separate complex sealing mechanisms. This merging maintains reliable sealing of the dispensing openings while minimizing additional structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8746508B2Multi-component cartridge

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 MEDMIX SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

A dispensing apparatus for mixing and dispensing multi-component masses including a multi-component cartridge or syringe having a plurality of chambers, a mixer element having a longitudinal axis and a mixer housing placed over the mixer element. The outer surface of the mixer element and the inner wall of the mixer housing have a cooperating guide element which only allows a displacement of the mixer housing at the mixer element along the longitudinal axis of the mixer element. The mixer housing is axially displaceably connected to the multi-component cartridge. The mixer housing and the mixer element are displaceable against one another in an axial direction in the closed and dispensing positions. A rotary element, the mixer housing and the multi-component cartridge have a cooperating interaction element in which the rotary element rotates such that an axial relative movement results between the mixer housing and the multi-component cartridge.