Reusable Discharge Arrangement for Multi-Component Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-component material dispensing systems are costly, lead to high carbon footprints, and require arduous alignment and handling, with a risk of cross-contamination due to disposable locking rings and complex interface connectors.
Innovation Solution
A discharge arrangement with a fluid conducting component and an accessory featuring complementary rotation constraining members and a fixed locking ring, reducing the need for disposable parts and simplifying alignment and handling, while preventing cross-contamination through a secure and reusable interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable locking ring is used at the mixing tip to ensure reliable attachment, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and carbon footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is extracted from the disposable mixing tip and relocated to the reusable cartridge. This separates the disposable component (mixing tip) from the locking mechanism, allowing the locking ring to be reused across multiple mixing tips while maintaining reliable attachment. The mixing tip becomes simpler and cheaper to manufacture without the locking ring, while the cartridge assumes the locking function.
2Reliability
If complex interface connectors are used to prevent cross-contamination, then contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: the collar with rotation constraining members on the cartridge side, and the complementary sleeve with rotation constraining members on the mixing tip side. This segmentation allows for simple, modular components that prevent cross-contamination through basic geometric constraints rather than complex sealing mechanisms. The outlets are surrounded by the collar and positioned to interface with the sleeve, creating natural barriers against contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
Rotation constraining members are implemented with asymmetric geometry - the collar has specific protrusions or features that match complementary recesses or features in the sleeve. This asymmetric design prevents rotational misalignment and ensures correct orientation during connection, thereby preventing cross-contamination while keeping the interface simple. The asymmetric features guide the connection process and maintain proper alignment without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If hand alignment by operator is required for connecting mixing tip to cartridge, then connection precision can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rotation constraining members are pre-configured on both the collar and sleeve to automatically guide alignment during the connection process. When the mixing tip is brought near the cartridge, the complementary rotation constraining members engage first, pre-aligning the components in the correct orientation before final attachment. This preliminary alignment action eliminates the need for manual positioning by the operator and ensures precise connection every time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is designed to be self-aligning through the interaction of rotation constraining members between the collar and sleeve. The geometric features automatically guide the mixing tip into correct alignment with the cartridge during insertion, without requiring external intervention or manual adjustment. The system serves itself by using its own structural features to achieve precise alignment, making the operation simple even for operators wearing gloves.
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge arrangement includes a fluid conducting component having an outlet part, an accessory having an inlet part, and a locking ring, the inlet part of the accessory being releasably attachable to the outlet part of the fluid conducting component. The outlet part includes two or more outlets surrounded by a collar, with an outer surface of the collar having a first rotation constraining member. The inlet part includes two inlets surrounded by a sleeve, the two inlets being complementary to the two outlets of the fluid conducting component to couple the outlets to the inlets to enable a fluid communication between one of the outlets with one of the inlets.