Dispensing Head UV Sterilization for Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispenser heads in cosmetics and similar fields face issues with residue contamination, as residues from previous dispensings dry and deteriorate, leading to hygiene concerns when new doses are dispensed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a radiation source, preferably ultraviolet LEDs, within the protective cap of the dispenser head that emits radiation directly towards the dispensing orifice and its surroundings when the cap is in place, ensuring sterilization or neutralization of residues without additional user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective cover is used to conceal the dispensing orifice in storage condition, then the dispensing orifice is protected and involuntary actuation is prevented, but residues of fluid product dry out and deteriorate, causing contamination of new doses
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is activated automatically when the protective cover is placed on the dispenser head, sterilizing the dispensing orifice and surrounding area before new fluid product is dispensed. This preliminary sterilization action prevents residues from drying and contaminating new doses, while maintaining the protective function of the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
A radiation source (such as UV-LED) is introduced as an intermediary element within the protective cover to eliminate harmful bacterial growth from dried residues. The radiation acts as a mediator between the protective cover and the dispensing orifice, preventing contamination without interfering with the mechanical protection function.
2Ease of operation
If the protective cover is removed to dispense fluid product, then new doses can be collected, but residues from previous dispensings remain and contaminate subsequent doses
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sterilization of the dispensing orifice by activating the radiation source when the protective cover is in place, before the user removes the cover to dispense. This ensures that when the cover is removed and new doses are collected, the dispensing orifice has already been sterilized and residues cannot contaminate the new product.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser head automatically sterilizes itself by integrating the radiation source within the protective cover structure. When the user places the cover on the dispenser head, the radiation source is activated and sterilizes the dispensing orifice without requiring any additional user action or intervention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiation source is incorporated in the protective cap to sterilize residues, then hygiene is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is merged with the protective cover, combining two previously separate functions (protection and sterilization) into a single integrated component. This reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate sterilization mechanisms while maintaining both protective and hygienic functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is given multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the dispensing orifice, prevents involuntary actuation, and now also houses the radiation source for sterilization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving comprehensive hygiene protection.
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 solution effectively sterilizes or decontaminates residues at the dispensing orifice, preventing contamination of new fluid product doses and maintaining hygiene by using the protective cap as a radiation source, ensuring the cap is always positioned correctly relative to the orifice.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation source is arranged just opposite the dispensing orifice. Thus, a maximum of power emitted by the radiation is focused on the dispensing orifice. The radiation can reach the residues of fluid product located around the dispensing orifice, but also the fluid product inside the dispensing orifice.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Fluid product dispensing head intended to be associated with a dispensing member (2), such as a pump, and with a tank (1) to form together a fluid product dispenser, said head comprising a fluid product dispensing orifice (45) through which the fluid product flows out of the head so as to be accessible to a user, said head also comprising a removable protective cover (5) which conceals the dispensing orifice (45) in storage condition, characterised in that the cover (5) emits radiation (R) capable of irradiating any fluid product residue on the dispensing orifice (45).