Dispenser Nozzle Flange for Redirecting Clog-Induced Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pump-type dispensers for liquids and gels often clog due to polymeric thickeners and evaporation, leading to misdirection of the dispensed substance, which can result in unsatisfactory and unclean dispensing, as the solution can be directed away from the intended target, potentially onto the user's clothing or face.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with an arched flange that functions as a media baffle, redirecting the dispensed media ventrally to prevent it from reaching the user's face or eyes, using thermoplastic or silicone materials and a concave surface to ensure consistent and clean dispensing, even with clogs present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump-type dispenser is used for dispensing liquid and gel media, then dispensing function is provided, but the chamber may become clogged leading to misdirection of dispensed substance
Solution Approach 1:
A baffle member is introduced as an intermediary element between the dispensing chamber and the dispensing opening. This baffle member intercepts and redirects the dispensed substance, preventing it from reaching harmful areas (user's face or clothing) while allowing controlled dispensing to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of clogged chamber (which causes misdirection) into a beneficial feature by using the redirected flow pattern to advantageously direct substance away from harmful areas. The clog-induced flow change is harnessed to improve safety rather than merely being a defect to eliminate.
2Stability of the object's composition
If polymeric thickeners are used in the liquid or gel media, then desired consistency is achieved, but evaporation and clogging occur leading to misdirection
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle member serves as a mediator that handles the flow characteristics of thickened media. It provides a surface that guides the viscous substance away from harmful areas, compensating for the flow irregularities caused by polymeric thickeners and evaporation.
3Ease of operation
If the dispensed substance is redirected away from the intended target, then dispensing control is lost, but the substance may contact user's clothing or face
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle member acts as an intermediary control element that passively redirects flow without requiring active user intervention. It maintains ease of operation by not complicating the dispensing action while simultaneously protecting the user from harmful contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the dispensing chamber, the baffle member with its specific surface geometry, and the dispensing opening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the baffle member specifically handles flow redirection to protect against harmful contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser (300) includes an arched flange (303) that works as a baffle to prevent dispensed media from exiting a nozzle erratically. The dispenser (300) can be configured with a connector (402), connector extension (403), and nozzle (401) for use with vessels (802). Alternatively, a dispenser cap (1100) can include a coupling mechanism (1200) configured to attach to prior art dispensers. Dispensed media is directed along the dispensing surface (301) in a ventral direction (302) relative to the dispenser (300), thereby eliminating the possibility of the media being dispensed into the user's face or eyes, regardless of clogs present or user hand position.