Dispensing Device with Pivotable Housing for Accurate Dose Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol dispensing devices with dose indicators risk inaccurate dosage counting when the container is removed for cleaning, potentially associating the wrong container with the indicator device, leading to incorrect tracking of dispensed or remaining doses.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device design that maintains the container connected to the dispenser housing even when disengaged for cleaning, using a pivotable mechanism to ensure the same container remains associated with the indicator, preventing incorrect counting and allowing for easy cleaning of the actuator nozzle without water exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is removed from the actuator for cleaning, then the actuator nozzle can be cleaned effectively, but the container may be associated with a different indicator device leading to inaccurate dosage counting
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a removable container portion and a fixed actuator housing with indicator device. The container can be detached for cleaning while the indicator device remains permanently associated with the actuator housing, ensuring continuous accurate dosage tracking regardless of container removal or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator housing serves as an intermediary element that permanently houses the indicator device. This intermediary structure maintains the association between the indicator device and the actuator mechanism, preventing mismatch between container and indicator even when containers are removed or replaced for cleaning.
2Ease of operation
If water is used to clean the actuator nozzle, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the valve stem may be exposed to water causing potential damage or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem is extracted from the actuator housing by removing the container, allowing the actuator nozzle to be cleaned with water while the valve stem remains protected inside the container. The container acts as a protective barrier during the cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be removed for cleaning purposes. By sacrificing the container's temporary attachment, the valuable valve stem and actuator mechanism are protected from water exposure during cleaning.
3Reliability
If the container is securely fixed to the actuator, then dosage count accuracy is maintained, but cleaning of the actuator nozzle becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between container and actuator is made dynamic rather than static. The container can be easily removed and reattached, providing the flexibility needed for periodic cleaning while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation to ensure accurate dosage counting.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser includes a dispenser housing, an indicating device connected to the dispenser housing and a container removably engaged with the dispenser housing. The container and the dispenser housing remain connected as the container is moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the dispenser housing. The dispenser housing includes an upper portion pivotally connected to a lower portion.