Powder Dispenser Air Flow Channel Curvature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensers for powdered masses in blister packages face inefficiencies in air flow technology, leading to suboptimal transport and discharge of granulated or mixed powders, particularly in terms of fluid dynamics and pressure distribution.

Innovation Solution

The dispenser features an arched air flow channel that encompasses at least 180° of the container part, with a tapered section leading to a vortex chamber, enhancing fluidic optimization and suction effects by creating a nozzle-like opening, and includes a rib for deflection and latching lugs for secure container alignment, ensuring efficient emptying and inhalation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional air flow channel is used in the dispenser, then the device structure remains simple, but the transport efficiency of powdered mass and pressure distribution are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport efficiency of powdered massVSAvoidair flow channel configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow channel is designed as an arched path with a curvature area of at least 180°, creating a curved flow path that encompasses the container part. This curvature optimizes fluid dynamics for transporting powdered mass from the container part to the vortex chamber, improving discharge efficiency without adding complex mechanical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The cross section of the air flow channel is tapered, with the opening cross section at the end opposite the container part being smaller than at the container part end. This gradual narrowing creates a nozzle-like effect that enhances pressure distribution and suction effects, improving powder transport without requiring additional mechanical elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the air flow channel is designed as an arched path with 180° curvature, then fluidic optimization and powder transport are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete emptying of container partVSAvoidair flow channel geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arched air flow channel merges the function of creating suction effects with the function of transporting powdered mass. The curved path configuration simultaneously generates the necessary pressure differential for complete emptying and provides an efficient transport route, combining multiple functions into a single geometric feature rather than requiring separate mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The 180° curvature area of the air flow channel creates optimized fluid dynamic conditions that ensure complete emptying of the container part. The curved geometry naturally generates the necessary pressure distribution and flow patterns to reliably transport all powdered mass, including granulated or mixed powders, without additional mechanical assistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Stress or pressure

If the air flow channel has a tapered cross section creating a nozzle-like opening, then suction effects and pressure distribution are optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure distribution in air flowVSAvoidmold design for air flow channel
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow channel cross section is tapered along its length, with the opening area gradually decreasing from the container part end to the opposite end. This continuous parameter change creates a nozzle-like effect that optimizes pressure distribution and suction effects for efficient powder discharge, while maintaining a simple geometric form that can be manufactured using conventional injection molding techniques in a single operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration improves the flow technology, facilitating the efficient discharge and transport of powdered masses, even those with varying granulations, by optimizing air flow and pressure distribution, ensuring complete emptying and uniform distribution within the vortex chamber.

Implementation Method 1

reach a vortex chamber located upstream in a mouthpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

a fluidic optimization is achieved, in particular with regard to the transport of the mass to be discharged and inhaled from the container part forming a cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid dynamics:

Implementation Method 3

The section of the air flow duct is also reduced in its opening cross-section, more preferably by 20% to 70%, more preferably 30% to 60%, more preferably 40% compared to the average cross-sectional dimension of the section of the air flow duct opening into the merging area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNozzle effect: De Laval Nozzle

Implementation Method 4

a negative pressure effect on the section of the air flow channel emanating from the container part and also opening into the joining area, which advantageously supports the emptying of the container part accordingly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 5

the rib, which is also preferably equipped with concave side surfaces, protrudes into the freely drawn gap of the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow deflection:

Implementation Method 6

the container part, in particular a support section of the container part, more preferably the container cover covering the container part in the unused position, is overlapped by latching lugs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical latching: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2579931A1Dispenser for powdery compositions contained in a separate pack
Publication Date: 2013.04.17 VON SCHUCKMANN ALFRED

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for powdery compositions (M) contained in a separate pack, in particular compositions (M) contained in a blister pack (18), wherein the pack has a container part (14) with tear-off container cover (16), wherein furthermore an aspirated stream of air is sucked for the most part through the container part (14), after the container cover (16) has been removed from the container part (14), in such a way that two air streams (a, b) entering through slits (29) of a lid (19) empty the container part (15) from the direction of its two ends and, after coming together, pass into a swirl chamber (7) arranged upstream of a mouthpiece (3). In order to further optimize a dispenser in terms of flow technology, it is proposed that the air stream channel (27) designed as an arc-shaped path leads to the more distant end of the container part (14) and encompasses the container part (14) with an at least 180° curve area (52).