Compact Fluid Applicator with Non-Linear Barrel and Magnetic Dose Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid applicators for animals are cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, leading to user fatigue and inefficiency, especially when delivering varying doses, and often require extensive disassembly for servicing and repair.
Innovation Solution
A compact applicator design with a non-linear orientation of the barrel, piston, and valves, allowing for a separable dose assembly with a magnetic connection and interchangeable parts, enabling easy dose adjustment and servicing without compromising leverage or accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the applicator uses an in-line arrangement of inlet valve, barrel, piston, and outlet valve, then the fluid delivery mechanism is simple and reliable, but the applicator becomes quite long and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear in-line arrangement to a compact configuration where the barrel, piston, and valves are arranged in a multi-dimensional layout. The inlet valve is positioned at the distal end of the barrel while the outlet valve is located near the proximal end, creating a folded or angled configuration that reduces the overall length of the applicator while maintaining the sequential fluid flow path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the piston stroke is limited to deliver varying doses, then dose adjustment is achieved, but the handle stroke becomes very small for minimal doses, compromising user leverage and increasing fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic dosing mechanism where the piston stroke length can be varied to deliver different doses. The handle assembly is designed with a long lever arm that provides full range of motion for user engagement, while the piston stroke is controlled by a dosing control mechanism (such as a cam, eccentric mechanism, or variable geometry linkage) that adjusts the effective piston travel based on the selected dose level. This ensures that regardless of the dose size, the user always experiences optimal leverage and handle movement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the applicator is designed as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing is simplified, but servicing and repair require extensive disassembly of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the applicator into distinct modular segments including a handle assembly, a barrel assembly with integrated valves, and a piston assembly. These segments are connected through standardized interfaces that allow for easy separation and reassembly. The inlet valve, outlet valve, and barrel form an integrated fluid delivery module that can be serviced as a unit, while the handle and piston assemblies remain separately serviceable. This modular segmentation enables technicians to quickly identify and replace specific components without disassembling the entire applicator.
4Length of moving object
If the applicator is made compact to reduce length, then it is easier to maneuver in tight spaces, but the mechanism for actuating the piston may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact arrangement where the piston actuation mechanism utilizes multi-dimensional motion rather than requiring a long linear stroke. The piston is actuated through a mechanism (such as a cam, eccentric, or lever system) that converts small movements of the handle into the required piston motion within a compact space. The barrel is angled or folded relative to the handle axis, allowing the piston to move through its full stroke in a direction that does not increase the overall applicator length.
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 design results in a more ergonomic and efficient applicator that maintains optimal user leverage across dose ranges and allows for quick servicing and part replacement, reducing user fatigue and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A compact applicator design with a non-linear orientation of the barrel, piston, and valves, allowing for a separable dose assembly with a magnetic connection
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an applicator comprising or including, a dosing body including, at least one barrel; a piston moveable within the at least one barrel to stroke between a variable first position and a second position. In use, movement of the piston towards the first position can draw a first fluid into the barrel, and movement of the piston towards the second position can force the first fluid out of the barrel. There is at least one fluid inlet valve to allow the fluid to flow into the at least one barrel at least under action of the piston, and at least one fluid outlet valve to allow the first fluid to flow out of the at least one barrel at least under action of the piston. A piston actuating assembly, selectively engageable with the dosing body, is present, the piston actuator assembly having a user operable handle to drive a second actuation member which in turn can drive the piston between the first position and the second position, the connection between the second actuation member, or part thereof being a releasable one.