Fluid Dispenser Needle Holder Segmented Locking Bridges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid dispenser devices face reliability issues during transport and falls due to unreliable locking mechanisms, are complex and costly to manufacture, and lack separate anti-tearing protection, compromising compactness and ease of assembly.

Innovation Solution

A fluid dispenser device with a hollow needle and needle holder that uses breakable bridges for locking, combined with anti-tearing means featuring radial shoulders, allowing axial actuation force to overcome the locking mechanism and ensure complete actuation while preventing unauthorized access to the fluid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If blocking means are made between the body and the dispensing head, then accidental actuation is prevented, but reliability during transport and falls is not guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking reliabilityVSAvoidtransport and fall damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means are segmented into multiple independent breakable bridges (at least two) connecting the blocking element to the needle holder. This segmentation ensures that if one bridge fails during transport or falls, other bridges remain intact to maintain blocking functionality, thereby improving reliability while protecting against transport-related damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The breakable bridges are designed with predetermined fracture points that allow them to break under excessive force (such as during falls or rough handling) while maintaining blocking functionality under normal conditions. This beforehand cushioning protects the overall blocking system from catastrophic failure during transport and falls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If breakable bridges are used for locking, then locking functionality is achieved, but co-moulding complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionalityVSAvoidco-moulding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means are divided into separate components: a blocking element and a needle holder, connected by breakable bridges. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard injection molding techniques, then assembled together, thereby reducing co-moulding complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The breakable bridges serve as intermediary elements connecting the blocking element to the needle holder. These bridges can be designed as separate molded inserts or attached components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by avoiding complex co-moulding operations while still providing the necessary locking and breaking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If breakable bridges are used for locking, then locking is achieved, but radial bulk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionalityVSAvoidradial bulk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The breakable bridges are designed as thin, flexible connecting elements that provide sufficient locking strength in the rest position but break when excessive force is applied. These thin-bridge structures minimize radial bulk while maintaining locking functionality, allowing for a more compact device design compared to traditional robust locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If blocking means are implemented between body and head, then locking is achieved, but separate anti-tearing means cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionalityVSAvoidanti-tearing protection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means are implemented as a separate blocking element connected to the needle holder, distinct from the reservoir structure. This segmentation creates available space and structural independence that allows anti-tearing means (such as tearing-resistant barriers or seals) to be independently provided between the body and dispensing head, enabling both locking and anti-tearing protection to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3471891B1Fluid product dispensing device
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP3471891B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3471891B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Disclosed is a fluid product dispensing device comprising a reservoir (10) that contains a fluid product, a dispenser head (20) that includes a dispensing orifice (21), dispensing means (30) for dispensing at least some of the fluid product through the dispensing orifice (21), and duct means (40) for connecting the reservoir (10) to the dispensing orifice (21) when the dispensing means (30) are actuated; the duct means (40) include a hollow needle (41) that extends into the reservoir (10) when the dispensing means (30) are actuated, said needle (41) being mounted in a needle holder (60) that is mounted in the dispenser head (20) and includes blocking means (65, 66) which, in the rest position, cooperate with the reservoir (10) in order to prevent the reservoir (10) from moving axially relative to the head (20).