Container and cap assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning devices lack an efficient mechanism for selectively dispensing treating chemistry onto surfaces, leading to inefficiencies in debris and soiling material removal.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system comprising a container with a cap and receiver assembly that uses air pressure to dispense treating chemistry, featuring a locking mechanism and seals to ensure fluid tightness and controlled dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable container is used to store treating chemistry, then the container can be easily filled and replaced, but the connection between container and device may leak or disconnect during use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable components: a removable container, a receiver assembly, and a cap assembly. This segmentation allows the container to be easily removed for filling and replacement while maintaining a secure connection through the receiver-c cap interface that prevents leakage during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly includes pre-configured sealing elements and locking mechanisms that are prepared in advance. When the container is coupled to the receiver, the cap's sealing surfaces and locking features automatically engage to ensure a leak-proof connection before the treating chemistry is dispensed.
2Productivity
If air pressure is used to dispense treating chemistry, then controlled dispensing is achieved, but the system becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates a sealed connection between the container and device, and houses the air pump mechanism. This multi-functionality allows controlled dispensing through air pressure without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is nested within the receiver structure, with the cap forming an integral part of the receiver-c container interface. The air pump is integrated into the receiver housing, and fluid passages are nested within the wall structures. This nesting arrangement achieves controlled dispensing while minimizing the overall component count and system complexity.
3Reliability
If fluid tight seals are implemented, then leakage is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system incorporates flexible sealing elements such as O-rings, gaskets, or elastomeric seals that can deform to accommodate minor variations in manufacturing tolerances. These flexible seals are positioned in grooves or channels within the cap and receiver assemblies, allowing them to conform to the mating surfaces and maintain fluid-tight seals without requiring extremely precise manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes built-in compliance features such as resilient sealing materials and tolerance-compensating geometric features that anticipate and accommodate manufacturing variations. The sealing surfaces are designed with slight chamfers or radii that allow the flexible seals to self-align and compensate for minor dimensional deviations, ensuring reliable leakage prevention without demanding ultra-high manufacturing precision.
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 effective and controlled dispensing of treating chemistry onto surfaces, enhancing cleaning efficiency and minimizing leakage, while allowing compatibility with various surface cleaning devices.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump fluidly coupled with the receiver to selectively deliver air to the at least one receiver fluid outlet. When the cap is coupled with the receiver, the pump is configured to selectively deliver air into the cavity through the at least one receiver fluid outlet to pressurize the cavity and displace at least a portion of the material through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery system for selectively dispensing a material includes a container with a top wall in which an opening is formed, a bottom wall, and at least one container side wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall defining a cavity for storing the material, as well as a surface cleaning apparatus including a receiver configured to couple with the container. The receiver includes at least one receiver fluid inlet, at least one receiver fluid outlet and a locking mechanism.