Multi-piece Dispenser with Segmented Spring for Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for antiperspirant and deodorant compositions, especially soft solids containing silicone oils, face issues with pressure-induced microstructural changes and residual pressure, which can lead to unwanted extrusion and microstructural alterations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece dispenser arrangement is introduced, where the spring is separately formed from the screw member and user-engagable element, allowing for the use of different materials and manufacturing economies, with a metallic spring and polymeric components, enabling pressure relief through camming interaction and ratchet mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a one-piece molded spring element is used to provide pressure relief, then pressure relief function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and material constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the previously integrated spring element into separate components: a screw member with external threads and a barrel with internal threads. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing of each component using standard threading processes, eliminating the need for complex one-piece molding while maintaining the pressure relief function through threaded engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring function is extracted from the integrated molded element and implemented through the interaction between the screw member and barrel. The compliance previously provided by the molded spring arm is replaced by the mechanical compliance of the threaded connection, which allows controlled movement and pressure relief without requiring specialized spring materials.
2Reliability
If a one-piece molded spring element is used, then pressure relief is provided, but material selection is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the design into separate screw member and barrel components, each can be manufactured from materials optimized for its specific function. The screw member can use materials with appropriate friction characteristics for threading, while the barrel can use materials suitable for containing the composition, without being constrained by the need for a single material to perform all functions including spring compliance.
3Quantity of substance
If residual pressure is maintained after initial discharge, then composition remains in the barrel, but microstructural changes occur in pressure-sensitive compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded screw mechanism enables periodic reciprocating motion during dispensing. As the user rotates the screw, the piston moves forward to discharge composition, then the threaded engagement allows slight backward movement or pause, creating periodic pressure variations. This periodic action prevents sustained residual pressure that would cause microstructural changes, while still maintaining composition in the barrel between dispensing cycles.
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
This design effectively reduces residual pressure on the composition, preventing further extrusion and microstructural changes, while allowing for varied dispenser configurations and cost-effective manufacturing by using inexpensive materials.
Implementation Method 1
The reciprocal movement is permitted by compliance of spring unitarily formed as a portion of the element
Implementation Method 2
Superimposed reciprocal movement of the screw is caused by camming interaction of respective groups of ratchet teeth on the molded element and barrel
Implementation Method 3
camming interaction of respective groups of ratchet teeth on the molded element and barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser has a multi-piece, multi-material, screw, user-engagable element, and reciprocal compliance spring arrangement.