Dispensing Device Actuator Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for viscous or liquid products lack a secure mechanism to prevent involuntary actuation and efficiently switch between configurations, leading to potential misuse or malfunction.
Innovation Solution
The dispensing device incorporates a mechanism where the actuator is decoupled from the extender when switching configurations, with a controlling member and collar system that allows for relative rotation, enabling secure disconnection from the reservoir and precise actuation of the pump mechanism through a combination of axial and rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator is directly coupled with the pump mechanism, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot prevent involuntary actuation and cannot switch between configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: the actuator (1), the controlling member (2), the dispensing member (3), the collar (4), and the extender (5). These segments can be independently configured and coupled, allowing the actuator to be decoupled from the extender when switching configurations, thereby preventing involuntary actuation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the actuator and the extender is made dynamic rather than static. The actuator can be coupled with the extender in the first configuration for normal dispensing, and decoupled in the second configuration to prevent involuntary actuation. This dynamic coupling is achieved through the controlling member and collar mechanism that allows reversible switching between states
2Reliability
If a mechanism is added to block actuator actuation, then involuntary actuation is prevented, but the device complexity increases and configuration switching becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling member (2) combines multiple functions: it controls the coupling between the actuator and extender, guides the rotational movement, and works with the collar to enable configuration switching. By merging these control functions into a single integrated component, the device achieves reliable configuration control without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The collar (4) acts as an intermediary element between the controlling member and the reservoir. It receives rotational input from the controlling member and translates it into the coupling or decoupling of the actuator with the extender. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall operation by providing a clear rotational-to-linear motion conversion
3Reliability
If the actuator is decoupled from the extender when switching configurations, then involuntary actuation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the actuator and the extender is made dynamic rather than static. The actuator can be coupled with the extender in the first configuration for normal dispensing, and decoupled in the second configuration to prevent involuntary actuation. This dynamic coupling is achieved through the controlling member and collar mechanism that allows reversible switching between states
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling member and collar mechanism is designed to automatically couple or decouple the actuator with the extender through rotational movement. The user simply rotates the controlling member, and the mechanism self-adjusts the coupling state without requiring manual intervention to assemble or disassemble components, thereby reducing operational complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a dispensing device for dispensing a viscous or liquid product from a fluid reservoir, said dispensing device comprising an actuator 1, a controlling member 2, a dispensing member 3, a collar 4 configured to be linked to the reservoir, and an extender 5, said dispensing device being configured so that an actuation of the controlling member 2 causes a relative movement of the actuator 1 and the collar 4 thanks to which the dispensing device reversibly switches from a first configuration, in which the dispensing member 3 is unable to be activated, to a second configuration in which the actuator 1 is coupled in translation with the extender 5, so that when the actuator is pushed down 1 it activates the dispensing member 3.