Pivotal Dispenser Closure with Integrated Locking Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental material dispensers are not cost-effective, difficult to use with one hand, and do not provide a long shelf life due to complex manufacturing processes and lack of efficient sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a pivotally interconnected closure and body, featuring a locking member that can be moved from a lock to an unlock position with a single actuator force, allowing for easy one-handed operation, secure sealing, and reduced assembly costs through simplified design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional dropper bottle with separate cap and locking mechanism is used, then the outlet can be sealed, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the closure and body into a single integrated component with a unified outer surface, eliminating the need for separate caps and locking mechanisms. The closure is formed as one piece with the body, creating a simplified structure that maintains sealing functionality while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as both a seal engagement feature that seals the outlet when pressed, and as an actuation feature that enables opening and closing of the closure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used, then the outlet can be securely sealed, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is designed to be operated by a single user action on the actuator, which automatically performs both sealing and opening/closing functions. The resilient nature of the actuator provides automatic return to sealed position, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms or multiple操作步骤.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for closure and body, then the sealing can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure and body are formed as a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly processes for multiple parts. This unified structure reduces manufacturing steps, assembly requirements, and overall production costs while maintaining sealing functionality.
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 single-handed operation, secure sealing to prevent material leakage, and extended shelf life by allowing easy reclosure and minimizing manufacturing costs through a simplified, single-piece or minimized-piece design.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member is resiliently urged toward the lock position
Implementation Method 2
a force applied on the actuator relative to the body for moving the locking member toward the unlock position also urges the closure toward the open position. Preferably applying the force on the actuator causes a torque between the body and the closure which has a rotational direction suitable to urge the closure and the body toward the open position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A dispenser (6) comprises a body (5) with an outlet (3), and a closure (4) for the outlet. The closure (4) and the body(5) are pivotally movable relative to each other between an open position in which the outlet is open and a closed position in which the closure closes the outlet. The closure and the body are adapted for locking engagement with each another in the closed position. The closure has a locking member (7) for locking and unlocking the closure and the body in the closed position. A force applied on the locking member (7) for unlocking urges the closure toward the open position. The dispenser preferably facilitates the application of a material to be dispensed to a desired location.