Collapsible Wand Applicator with Rotatable Nozzle

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional applicators for dispensing ready-to-use liquid chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, suffer from limitations including user fatigue due to weight, fixed nozzle configurations, and potential chemical leakage, along with manufacturing and reliability issues, particularly in battery-powered designs.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible wand applicator with a rotatable nozzle, integrated power source, motor, and pump within a single housing, allowing for adjustable nozzle positioning and reduced weight distribution, enhancing usability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the nozzle is located at an extended distance from the actuation trigger, then design flexibility and spray targeting are improved, but the configuration becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into distinct functional modules: a pump assembly housing containing the motor and pump, a separate wand assembly with hinge joint, and a nozzle assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing while enabling extended nozzle positioning through the hinge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge joint connecting the wand to the pump assembly housing provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the nozzle to be positioned at various angles and distances from the trigger. This dynamic configuration enables extended reach and improved spray targeting without permanently complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If conventional manually actuated sprayers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but operator fatigue increases due to continuous pumping action

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidoperator fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pump assembly is automatically actuated by a motor that draws power from the battery pack, eliminating the need for continuous manual pumping. The motor-driven pump self-regulates fluid delivery based on trigger activation, providing automated operation that reduces operator physical effort while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the nozzle is positioned close to the user grip, then device simplicity is maintained, but chemical leakage risk and compromised spray targeting occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidchemical leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is separated from the user grip area by being mounted on the extendable wand assembly. This spatial segmentation positions the nozzle away from the user's hands and body, reducing exposure to chemical leakage while the modular design keeps the overall device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge joint allows the wand and nozzle to be dynamically positioned at optimal distances from the user grip, enabling the nozzle to be extended away from the user during operation to minimize chemical exposure risk while maintaining spray targeting precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If battery-powered applicators with separate housing are used, then pump functionality is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential liquid leakage into electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump functionalityVSAvoidelectrical circuitry reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor and pump assembly are integrated within the same sealed housing, creating a unified fluid handling system that is isolated from the electrical battery pack. This merging of mechanical components within a protected enclosure improves pump functionality while the separate battery compartment prevents liquid leakage from affecting electrical circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides improved functionality with reduced operator fatigue, increased design flexibility, and enhanced safety by allowing adjustable nozzle positioning and independent movement, while minimizing manufacturing costs and reliability issues.

Implementation Method 1

a pump, a motor, and a power source; a trigger for providing selective control over the pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a motor, and a power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a wand hingedly connected to the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge rotation: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS20230107995A1Applicator with collapsible wand

Publication Date: 2023.04.06 OMS INVESTMENTS INC

AI summary

An applicator comprises a housing having a liquid input, a pump, a motor, and a power source; a trigger for providing selective control over the pump; a wand hingedly connected to the housing; and a nozzle coupled to the wand for discharging liquid from the applicator. The nozzle and the liquid input are in fluid communication via the pump and various conduits of the applicator.