Dispensing Capsule Pre-mixing for Rapid Active Agent Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-chamber dispensing capsules have a small volume, leading to a delay in generating an adequate concentration of active agents like chlorine dioxide due to the reagents being in concentrated form, which takes time to mix and dilute in the primary chamber.
Innovation Solution
The dispensing capsule features at least partial pre-mixing of contents from two chambers before discharge into the primary chamber, utilizing a collapsible design with a flexible seal and burst pins to accelerate the formation of the active agent by mixing reagents before they are dispensed into a diluent liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the capsule volume is kept small to maintain compact design and ease of handling, then the reagents are present in concentrated form which reduces storage volume, but there is a considerable delay between dispensing the contents and generating an adequate concentration of active agent in the primary chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the reagents within the capsule before dispensing. The capsule is designed with internal mixing elements and agitation mechanisms that activate upon insertion into the primary chamber, allowing the reagents to be pre-combined and ready for rapid active agent generation, thereby reducing the delay between dispensing and achieving adequate concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by incorporating movable mixing elements, agitators, or collapsible chamber designs that transition from a compact sealed state to an active mixing state upon activation. This dynamic transformation enables rapid mixing of concentrated reagents after dispensing, accelerating the formation of the active agent while maintaining the capsule's compact size for storage and handling
2Quantity of substance
If the reagents are dispensed in concentrated form to minimize storage volume, then the capsule volume remains small, but the mixing and dilution process takes considerable time to achieve adequate active agent concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the reagents within the capsule before dispensing. The capsule is designed with internal mixing elements and agitation mechanisms that activate upon insertion into the primary chamber, allowing the reagents to be pre-combined and ready for rapid active agent generation, thereby reducing the delay between dispensing and achieving adequate concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through incorporated vibrators, ultrasonic elements, or oscillating mixing mechanisms that agitate the concentrated reagents during and after dispensing. This mechanical energy input accelerates the mixing process and enhances the rate of chemical reaction, enabling faster formation of the active agent from the concentrated reagent mixture
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 approach reduces or minimizes the delay in forming an adequate concentration of the active agent by pre-mixing the reagents, ensuring rapid formation and efficient use of the disinfectant composition upon discharge into the primary chamber.
Implementation Method 1
The dispensing capsule has two or more independently sealed and activated dispensing chambers each of which can contain a different substance to be dispensed into a primary chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A dispensing capsule (2) comprises a capsule body (4) having a first end (6) and a second end (8); a first cavity (14) and a second cavity (16) with a dividing member (18) between them within the capsule body (4), both cavities having an opening at the first end of the capsule body; a peripheral wall (24) at the first end (6) of the capsule body (4); and a flexible seal (30) bonded to the peripheral wall at the first end and to the dividing member so as to seal the contents of the first and second cavities from each other. The seal (30) is bonded less strongly to the dividing member (18) than to the peripheral wall (24). On an increase of pressure within the two cavities, the bond between the seal (30) and the dividing member (18) will eventually break, permitting the contents of the first cavity (14) to at least partly mix with the contents of the second cavity (16) while the bond between the seal (30) and the peripheral wall (24) remains intact. A burst pin (20,22) is also disposed within each cavity for breaking the bond between the seal (30) and at least some of the peripheral wall (24).