Liquid Dispenser Support With Radial Locking and Higher Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supports for liquid dispensers in laboratory animal watering systems are complex to fix, require multiple components, have low liquid flow rates, and suffer from pressure drops and liquid leaks, due to their design which allows radial movement and requires additional accessories for securement.

Innovation Solution

A support with a simplified first coupling that allows axial movement but prevents radial movement, integrated with a single-piece seat and joint for stable fixation, and a second coupling with retaining means for improved stability and flow rate, including an inner thread and elastic ring for secure attachment and enhanced liquid tightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional accessories (locking rings, another coupling) are used to prevent radial movement, then the support becomes more stable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the coupling and locking functions into a single integrated component. The first coupling includes an extension that enters the radial opening and a semi-cylindrical seat that prevents radial movement, eliminating the need for separate locking rings and additional couplings while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the tube is crimped to fix the coupling, then the connection becomes more secure, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the crimping operation with a mechanical interlocking system. The extension entering the radial opening and the semi-cylindrical seat create a mechanical constraint that secures the connection without requiring deformation or crimping of the tube, simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the auxiliary duct diameter is increased to improve flow rate, then the liquid flow rate increases, but the tube diameter must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid flow rateVSAvoidtube diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the auxiliary duct geometry by extending it through the joint and positioning it to efficiently utilize the available space within the existing tube diameter. This dimensional optimization allows maximum flow capacity without requiring an increase in tube size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 support is easier to fix, more stable, and increases liquid flow rate without increasing the tube diameter, minimizing pressure drops and liquid losses, while maintaining secure and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

a particular elastic ring which can expand radially to ensure a stable but removable coupling with a quick coupling of the liquid dispenser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first coupling preferably comprises an inner thread screwed in an outer thread of the first joint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew thread: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4344537A1Support for dispensers of liquids for watering animals
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 TECNIPLAST SPA
  • EP4344537A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4344537A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4344537A1 patent drawingFigure 4~8

AI summary

Support for liquid dispensers (3), which comprises a main body (1) which can be coupled with a liquid dispenser (3) and includes a main duct (2) to allow a flow of liquids from the main body (1) to the liquid dispenser (3), wherein the main body (1) extends along a longitudinal axis (A) from a rear side to a front side of the main body (1), wherein the main body (1) is provided with a first coupling (4) suitable to fix the support to a tube (5), wherein the first coupling (4) comprises a seat (13) suitable to surround a portion of the tube (5), so that the tube (5) can move axially but not radially in the seat (13).