Fluid Dispenser Blocking Element with Breakable Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispenser devices face issues with actuation blocking mechanisms that are either removable and prone to detachment or integrated and costly, requiring modification of device parts, and lack a simple and inexpensive solution for indicating first use while ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser device featuring a removable blocking element with a breakable indicator that surrounds the fixing ring between the actuation head and reservoir, preventing axial displacement and allowing easy assembly and indication of first use, utilizing an elastically deformable open ring and breakable element for secure locking and easy unclipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a removable blocking element is used, then the device is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but the blocking element can detach during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is divided into two functional segments: a removable blocking portion that can be detached for cleaning or replacement, and an integrated indicator portion that remains with the device. This segmentation allows the blocking element to maintain reliability through secure attachment while preserving manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element is nested within or integrated with the blocking element structure. The indicator serves as a sub-component that remains attached to the blocking element, providing continuous visual feedback about device usage status without requiring separate attachment mechanisms that could detach during transport.
2Reliability
If an integrated blocking element is used, then the blocking element cannot detach, but the device becomes complicated to produce and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is segmented into a blocking element and a separate indicator element that can be assembled together. This segmentation simplifies the overall assembly process by allowing independent manufacturing of each component followed by straightforward integration, reducing the complexity compared to a fully integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the mechanical blocking component and as a mounting structure for the indicator element. This universal design reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining reliable blocking functionality.
3Reliability
If an integrated blocking element is used, then the blocking element cannot detach, but the cost increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is divided into separately manufacturable components (blocking element and indicator element) that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes and then assembled. This segmentation reduces manufacturing cost compared to complex integrated designs while maintaining reliable blocking functionality through secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element is designed as a low-cost, replaceable component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach reduces overall device cost while maintaining reliable blocking functionality, as the critical blocking element can be manufactured separately using cost-effective processes.
4Device complexity
If no indicator element is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot visualize whether the device has been used
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element utilizes visual changes (such as color changes, position changes, or visible breaks) to communicate device usage status. This provides clear visual feedback to users about whether the device has been activated, maintaining structural simplicity while eliminating information loss about usage history.
5Loss of information
If a complex indicator system is used, then usage status can be visualized, but the device becomes more complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element uses simple visual changes such as color transitions, position shifts, or visible breaks to communicate usage status. This provides effective information feedback without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems, maintaining device simplicity while eliminating information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element is designed as a simple, low-cost component that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach provides effective usage status indication without adding significant complexity or cost to the device, as the indicator serves its purpose and can be replaced if needed.
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 provides a cost-effective, easy-to-assemble actuation blocking mechanism that adapts to existing devices without modification, ensuring safe and reliable operation while allowing users to visually confirm first use, with the breakable element ensuring the device has not been activated before.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one breakable element is adapted to break when it is separated from the blocking element
Implementation Method 2
said retaining means being elastically deformable
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid product dispensing device comprising : a fluid product dispensing member (10) such as a manually actuated pump or valve, said fluid product dispensing member being attached by a fixation bushing (30) on a tank (1); an actuation head (20) mounted on said dispensing member and capable of displacement for actuating said dispensing member; a removable locking member (40) preventing the actuation of the dispensing member when in the locking position; at least one breakable member (50) connected to the locking member for indicating a first use; wherein said locking member is provided around the fixation bushing (30) between the head (20) and the tank (1) and co-operates, in the locking position, with said actuation head and said tank for preventing the axial displacement of said actuation head relative to the tank, said at least one breakable member (50) surrounding at least partially said locking member (40) before the first use.