Fluid Dispenser Teat Reservoir Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid product applicator devices have limited application autonomy and precision due to their design, which restricts the volume of fluid they can hold and apply, and require complex actuation gestures for loading.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a removable member with a teat that functions as a secondary reservoir, allowing for increased autonomy and precision by providing a larger useful actuation volume, enabling continuous fluid supply during application, and an extension tube that reduces dead volumes for efficient filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the applicator is made longer to increase fluid capacity, then the quantity of fluid product that can be applied is increased, but the application precision decreases due to reduced manipulation control
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate functional components: a short applicator for precise application and a separate teat reservoir for fluid storage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the applicator remains short for precision while the teat provides extended storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The teat acts as an intermediary element between the main reservoir and the applicator. It serves as a secondary reservoir that receives fluid from the main reservoir and supplies it to the applicator, enabling the applicator to remain short while still providing sufficient fluid capacity through the teat's storage function.
2Measurement precision
If the applicator volume is reduced to improve application precision, then the application precision is increased, but the quantity of fluid product that can be stored is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid storage function is segmented from the applicator function. The applicator is dedicated to precise application with minimal volume, while the teat is dedicated to fluid storage with expanded volume. This functional segmentation resolves the contradiction between precision and capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The teat serves multiple functions: it acts as a secondary reservoir for fluid storage, a transport conduit for fluid delivery to the applicator, and a manipulation handle for user control. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both precision and capacity without compromising either.
3Quantity of substance
If the teat volume is increased to provide more doses, then the quantity of fluid product that can be stored is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The teat combines multiple functions into a single component: fluid storage, fluid transport, and user manipulation. By merging these functions into one element rather than using separate components for each function, the device complexity is minimized while still providing expanded fluid capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The teat is designed as a multi-functional element that serves as both a reservoir and a conduit and a handle. This universal design approach allows the system to achieve increased storage capacity without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component performs multiple roles.
4Measurement precision
If the applicator is made shorter to improve manipulation control, then the application precision is increased, but the dead volume in the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dead volume problem is extracted and isolated to the teat component. By separating the teat from the applicator and designing the teat with optimized internal geometry, the dead volume is confined to a specific region rather than being distributed throughout the entire system, minimizing its impact on overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal geometry and dimensions of the teat are optimized to minimize dead volume. By carefully selecting parameters such as the teat's internal diameter, length, and connection points, the system minimizes the volume of fluid that remains trapped and cannot be delivered to the applicator, while still maintaining the short applicator length for precision.
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 device offers greater application autonomy and precision by allowing multiple doses to be stored in the teat, which can supply the applicator during use, and efficient filling by minimizing dead volumes, enhancing the overall application process.
Implementation Method 1
an applicator capable of retaining a dose of fluid product injected by suction generated by the sealed sliding of the tube against the piston lip
Implementation Method 2
the removable member comprising a tube capable of sliding in a sealed manner against the piston lip over a sealed axial stroke and an applicator capable of retaining a dose of fluid product injected by suction generated by the sealed sliding of the tube against the piston lip
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Fluid product application device comprising: - a base part (1) mounted on a main reservoir (R) and comprising a dip tube (17) connecting a cup (15) provided with a piston lip (16), and - a removable member (1) mounted on the base part (1) and comprising a tube (A1) able to slide against the piston lip (16) and an applicator (A2) able to retain a dose of fluid product injected by suction generated by the tube (A1) sliding in a sealed manner against the piston lip (16), the fluid product being injected into the applicator (A2) through the dip tube (17), the removable member (2) further comprising a teat (T) communicating with the applicator (A2) and the dip tube (17), characterized in that the teat (T) internally defines a secondary fluid product reservoir (Tr) for supplying the applicator (A2) with fluid product.