Viscous Liquid Dispenser Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manual viscous liquid dispensing tools face issues with environmental degradation, particularly when subjected to elevated temperatures during sterilization processes, leading to ineffective friction components that fail to restrict backward ratchet motion.

Innovation Solution

A manual viscous liquid dispensing device equipped with a mechanical locking mechanism that limits the backward motion of the plunger, reducing stress and enhancing resistance to environmental degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a friction component is used to restrict backward ratchet motion, then the dispensing tool can prevent reverse movement of the plunger, but the friction component degrades under elevated temperature and time stress, leading to ineffective locking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of friction componentVSAvoidenvironmental degradation from heat and time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical system with a positive mechanical locking system using interlocking teeth. The locking member has teeth that engage with teeth on the plunger, creating a deterministic mechanical lock that prevents backward motion without relying on friction. This substitution eliminates the degradation issues associated with friction components under thermal and temporal stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of moving object

If the plunger is engaged with the friction component for long periods under stress, then the dispensing tool maintains its position, but the gripping members relax due to heat and time, causing loss of locking capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of plunger engagementVSAvoidstability of gripping members

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based gripping mechanism with a positive mechanical engagement system. The locking member's teeth interlock with the plunger's teeth, creating a rigid mechanical connection that does not rely on frictional forces. This eliminates the relaxation phenomenon that occurs with friction components under prolonged thermal and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a ratchet and pawl mechanism with friction component is used, then the plunger can be driven forward during dispensing, but the friction component fails to restrict backward motion when subjected to heat and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing functionVSAvoidbackward motion restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the locking function into two distinct components: a drive phase where the pawl engages the rack to drive the plunger forward, and a lock phase where the locking member's teeth engage with the plunger's teeth to prevent backward motion. This segmentation allows the device to maintain both dispensing functionality and reliable backward motion restriction, even under thermal and temporal stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 mechanical locking mechanism effectively prevents backward motion of the plunger, maintaining dispensing efficiency even under elevated temperature conditions, thus addressing the issue of environmental degradation.

Implementation Method 1

a pawl connected to the trigger via a pawl bias spring for bringing the pawl into contact with the plunger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

including a trigger, a trigger return spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a locking mechanism configured to limit a movement of the plunger in a rearwards direction while the locking mechanism is in a locked configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250153214A1Manual viscous liquid dispensing device having a locking mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 NORDSON CORP

AI summary

A product dispensing device includes a body having a first end and a second end; a product holding mechanism at the first end; a plunger defining a rack, supported by and extending through the product holding mechanism and the body from the first end to the second end; a drive mechanism, pivotally coupled to the body, including a trigger, a trigger return spring, and a pawl connected to the trigger via a pawl bias spring for bringing the pawl into contact with the plunger, the pawl having pawl teeth shaped to complement the rack; and a locking mechanism configured to limit a movement of the plunger in a rearwards direction while the locking mechanism is in a locked configuration.