Deformable-Element Dropper Cap for Precise Dose Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dropper-style containers lack precise control over the amount of product dispensed, leading to cumbersome operations and potential waste due to inaccurate dosing and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly with a deformable element and rotational mechanism that allows for controlled dispensing by pressing and releasing the top cap, enabling accurate dose control and preventing excess discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional rubber head dropper is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user cannot accurately control the dispensed amount leading to waste and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The dropper is divided into functional segments: a deformable element for volume control, a piston mechanism for dispensing, and a feedback system. This segmentation allows precise control of dispensed amount while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The dropper employs a dynamic deformable element that can be adjusted during use to control the internal chamber volume. This dynamic adjustment capability allows precise control over the dispensed amount without requiring complex mechanical systems
2Productivity
If the user draws more product at once to avoid repeated operations, then productivity increases, but excess product cannot be controlled leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the user to draw slightly more than needed into the chamber, then precisely control the dispensing amount by adjusting the deformable element during the dispensing phase. This partial excessive action allows efficient single-operation dispensing while preventing waste through controlled release
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable element's volume parameter can be dynamically changed during dispensing to control the flow rate and total dispensed amount. This parameter adjustment allows the user to dispense the exact required amount even when more is initially drawn, preventing waste while maintaining productivity
3Measurement precision
If the user squeezes the rubber head repeatedly to dispense small amounts, then precise dosing is achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and increases contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by drawing the required amount of product into the chamber in advance. The deformable element is pre-adjusted to the correct volume setting before dispensing begins, eliminating the need for repeated squeezing operations and reducing contamination risk from multiple insertions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous dispensing action once the chamber is filled and the deformable element is set. The user can continuously dispense the predetermined amount without interrupting the flow or re-inserting the dropper, maintaining operational convenience while ensuring dosage accuracy
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 precise control over the dispensed amount, reduces waste, and minimizes contamination by allowing users to adjust the dose through feedback and rotation, simplifying the operation.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable element is movable along the upper guiding surface; a support which is vertically movable to move the top cap from the rest position to the pressable position, the support including an inclined lower guiding surface against which the bottom end of the deformable element bears so that the deformable element is movable along the lower guiding surface
Implementation Method 2
a piston rod connected to the top cap, the piston rod being connected to a piston at the bottom to actuate the piston to move in a vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cap assembly configured to be attached to a container, the cap assembly comprising: a top cap which includes a rest position and a pressable position; a piston rod connected to the top cap, the piston rod being connected to a piston at the bottom to actuate the piston to move vertically, the piston rod further comprising an inclined upper guiding surface; a deformable element bearing at the top end against the upper guiding surface of the piston rod so that the deformable element is movable along the upper guiding surface; a support which is vertically movable to move the top cap from the rest position to the pressable position, the support including an inclined lower guiding surface against which the bottom end of the deformable element is supported so that the deformable element is movable along the lower guiding surface; when the top cap is pressed, the piston rod moves downwards and actuates the piston to move downwards to dispense material from a dispensing chamber while forcing the deformable element to deform from an initial state and to move along the upper guiding surface and the lower guiding surface; and when the top cap is released, the deformable element returns to the initial state.