Dispensing System Pivotable Trigger and Fixed Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dispensing systems are uncomfortable for users due to the step or ridge on the overcap, and they may not be suitable for hands of varying sizes, with inaccuracies in fluid dispensing and undesirable hand movement during actuation.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system with a housing and overcap featuring a pivotable trigger and a manifold integrated with the cap, where the trigger's arcuate path opposes the manifold's path, ensuring better alignment and movement, and a flexible skirt for a secure fit, reducing discomfort and improving fluid dispensing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick lower end or skirt of the overcap is used to form a step or ridge, then the structural integrity is improved, but user comfort deteriorates when gripping the dispensing system
Solution Approach 1:
The overcap is divided into multiple functional segments: a thick lower end for structural support and coupling, a thinner midsection for comfortable gripping, and an upper cap portion for dispensing functionality. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its thickness for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and user comfort.
2Ease of operation
If the entire manifold moves relative to the overcap during actuation, then the actuator can be activated, but fluid dispensing accuracy deteriorates and undesirable hand movement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is extracted from the moving components and fixed relative to the overcap housing. Only the valve stem and actuator components move during operation, while the manifold remains stationary. This extraction eliminates the unwanted movement that degraded dispensing accuracy while preserving actuator functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The overcap housing serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, houses the fixed manifold, supports the actuator mechanism, and maintains the relative positioning of all components. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise fluid dispensing while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional overcap design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different hand sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the overcap have different thicknesses and geometries optimized for their specific functions: the lower end is thick for structural support, the midsection is thinner and contoured for comfortable gripping by various hand sizes, and the upper portion maintains dispensing functionality. This local quality variation allows the single design to adapt to different users while remaining manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system includes a housing, a discharge outlet, and a trigger having a grip portion pivotably coupled to the housing to rotate from a first position to a second position. The grip portion has an upper surface and an interior surface disposed below the discharge outlet when the dispensing system is in an upright position. The upper surface of the grip portion moves outward when the grip portion rotates from the first position to the second position to enable at least one of the upper surface or the interior surface to direct a fluid product discharged via the discharge outlet into an interior of the housing.