Fluid Dispenser With Self-Closing Nozzle and Child-Resistant Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensers for liquid oral medicines, especially for children, face challenges in accurately dispensing small doses without choking or contamination risks, and existing pump dispensers have issues with fluid residues and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a closure mechanism and outlet attachment that automatically closes when detached, preventing fluid residue drying or contamination, and includes a child-resistant and tamper-evidence mechanism to ensure safe and accurate dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pump dispenser is used to dose liquid medicine, then accurate dosing is achieved, but fluid residues remain in the outlet nozzle causing contamination and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet nozzle is extracted from the pump dispenser body as a separate, removable component. This allows the nozzle to be easily detached and cleaned separately from the main pump mechanism, eliminating the problem of fluid residues remaining in the outlet nozzle and causing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet nozzle is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. After use, the nozzle can be discarded or quickly replaced, avoiding the need to clean complex internal passages. This resolves the hygiene issue by ensuring the outlet is always clean without requiring disassembly of the pump mechanism.
2Productivity
If a pump dispenser with valve mechanism is used, then forward flow is controlled, but excessive dose may be delivered if child sucks on the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is made dynamic and responsive to pressure changes. When a child sucks on the nozzle, creating negative pressure, the valve automatically closes to prevent excessive dose delivery. During normal dispensing, the valve remains open to allow controlled flow, thus adapting to different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism incorporates feedback from pressure changes in the outlet. When suction or negative pressure is detected (indicating a child sucking on the nozzle), the valve responds by closing to prevent overdose. This feedback mechanism ensures safety while maintaining dosing speed during normal use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If outlet closure valve is added to prevent contamination, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet closure valve is designed to automatically close when the nozzle is removed from the dispenser, without requiring any additional actuators or complex mechanisms. The valve self-actuates based on the physical state of the nozzle connection, providing contamination protection while adding minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure valve function is merged with the existing nozzle attachment mechanism. The same structural elements that secure the nozzle also operate the closure valve, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate complex components.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If removable outlet attachment is used for easy cleaning, then hygiene is improved, but child-resistant security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet attachment is segmented into multiple components: a removable nozzle portion for easy cleaning, and a secure base portion integrated with the dispenser. The base portion includes child-resistant features such as a locking mechanism or special attachment method that prevents removal by children while allowing easy access for adults who need to clean or replace the nozzle.
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 dispenser ensures accurate and hygienic dosing of liquid medicines by preventing fluid residue contamination and providing child-resistant and tamper-evidence features, enhancing safety and usability for children.
Implementation Method 1
a closure member which in a closed position closes the discharge outlet
Implementation Method 2
the closure member is biased e.g. by a spring so that the closure mechanism automatically closes the dispenser outlet opening when the outlet attachment is uncoupled and removed
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to dispensers for fluid products, particularly oral dosing of medicines. The dispenser is a pump dispenser and has a separate nozzle attachment. The nozzle and dispenser may be uncoupled in a holding position or coupled position. A child resistance feature is disclosed which prevents unauthorized coupling of the dispenser and nozzle, thereby preventing unauthorized dispensing of product. The child resistance feature only allows coupling of the dispenser and nozzle when a coupling control element is triggered and then maintains this coupling with additional features. A protective cover for the dispenser is also disclosed, which covers the nozzle attachment and pump plunger button.