Lubricant Dispenser Nozzle Flow Control Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing containers require excessive concentration on positioning due to direct proportionality of flow rate with the angle of the container relative to the nozzle, leading to fluid surges and undesirable flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A pour spout with a support tube, plunger, and flow control collar that allows for independent control of fluid flow by rotating the flow control collar, minimizing the need to adjust the container's angle during dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flow rate is controlled by the angle at which the container is held relative to the nozzle, then the flow rate can be adjusted, but excessive concentration is required on positioning and fluid surges occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the flow control function from the positioning function by introducing an independent flow control collar that can be rotated to adjust flow rate, while the nozzle position remains fixed relative to the container. This segmentation allows users to control flow without concentrating on positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control collar can be rotated dynamically during dispensing to adjust flow rate in real-time without changing the container's angle or nozzle position. This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides ease of flow control while maintaining stable positioning.
2Productivity
If the container angle is adjusted to control flow rate, then flow rate can be changed, but fluid surges occur at the start or during pouring
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control collar can be pre-adjusted to the desired flow rate before dispensing begins, and the nozzle can be pre-positioned at the optimal angle. This preliminary setup prevents fluid surges by establishing stable flow conditions before pouring starts.
Solution Approach 2:
The user can observe the fluid flow and adjust the flow control collar in real-time to maintain consistent flow rate and prevent surges. This feedback mechanism allows for reliable flow control during the dispensing process.
3Ease of operation
If twist flow control is implemented with a movable nozzle tip, then flow control is improved, but added concentration is required regarding positioning of the dispensing container
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control collar is integrated with the fixed nozzle assembly, combining the flow control function with the nozzle structure. This merging eliminates the need for a separately movable nozzle tip, maintaining simplicity while providing effective flow control.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus according to the present invention provides a fluid pour spout including a plunger having a variable position for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough. Also provided is a fluid container having a fluid pour spout including a plunger having a variable position for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough, the spout being at least partially integrally formed with the container or removably coupled thereto. A further apparatus according to the present invention is a lid including a fluid pour spout including a plunger having a variable position for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough, the lid being removably coupleable to a fluid container.