Controlled Release Container With Integrated Diaphragm Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controlled release containers are costly, complex, and prone to failure, with inconsistent and difficult-to-measure dispensing, often requiring secondary dosing vehicles that can lead to contamination and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric container with a one-piece design featuring a blow-molded dispensing diaphragm that can be activated with a single finger or thumb, providing a controlled release of a fixed amount of product with a force of less than 10 lbs, and allowing for customizable dosage amounts through design modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a multipiece pump is used for controlled release, then dispensing control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump body, dispensing mechanism, and product reservoir into a single integrated unit. The squeeze bottle design combines the container walls themselves as the pumping mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pump components while maintaining controlled dispensing functionality through the valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The container walls serve multiple functions: they contain the product, provide the squeezing mechanism for pressure generation, and form the structural body of the dispenser. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pump housing and container components.
2Ease of operation
If flexible sidewalls are pressed inward for release, then product dispensing is achieved, but dispensing consistency and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's squeezing action and the product flow. It translates variable squeezing forces into controlled, consistent drop formation by regulating fluid passage through the valve seat and orifice, ensuring uniform dispensing regardless of squeezing pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls dispensing parameters by designing specific valve geometry (orifice size, valve seat configuration) that regulates fluid flow characteristics. The valve mechanism transforms the continuous pressure variation from manual squeezing into discrete, controlled drop formation with consistent volume.
3Measurement precision
If secondary dosing vehicles are used for accurate dosing, then measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is designed to self-regulate dosage through its integrated valve mechanism and squeeze bottle geometry. The valve controls drop formation and the container design ensures that each squeeze delivers a consistent, predetermined amount without requiring external measuring devices, making the system self-sufficient for accurate dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing function is merged into the primary dispensing mechanism. The valve assembly and container design work together to provide built-in dosage control, eliminating the need for separate dosing devices and reducing the system to a single integrated unit that performs both storage and precise dispensing.
4Device complexity
If a one-piece design is used, then manufacturing cost and complexity decrease, but control over dispensing pressure may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly serves as a pressure-regulating intermediary within the one-piece structure. It controls the transmission of pressure from the squeezed container walls to the product, ensuring that sufficient pressure is generated for dispensing while preventing excessive pressure that could cause uncontrolled flow or damage.
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 offers a cost-effective, intuitive, and accurate controlled release system that eliminates the need for secondary measuring devices, ensuring consistent and controlled dispensing of precise dosages without the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a blow-molded dispensing diaphragm that can be activated with a single finger or thumb
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8+
AI summary
A controlled release container including a base. The base has a flexible diaphragm movable between a relaxed position and a depressed position. In the depressed position the flexible diaphragm reduces an interior volume of the container to dispense a dosage amount of material stored within the container. The dosage amount directly corresponds to an internal volume of the container displaced by moving the flexible diaphragm to the depressed position.