Dispensing Spout Segmentation for Liquid Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices suffer from high liquid losses and small outlet diameters due to the extendable nature of the outlet tubes, which are necessary for moving the terminal portion between positions, leading to inefficiencies in dispensing a first and second liquid.
Innovation Solution
The dispensing device features a fixed second outlet conduit and a flexible, extendable first outlet tube, allowing for controlled dispensing of liquids without the need for the second outlet to be moved closer to a container, thus maintaining a larger diameter and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet tubes are made extendable to allow movement of the terminal portion between positions, then the adaptability of the dispensing device is improved, but liquid losses increase and the outlet tube diameter must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is divided into a fixed main portion and a movable terminal portion. The second outlet conduit is fixed in the main portion, eliminating the need for it to extend, thereby preventing liquid losses. The first outlet tube remains extendable in the terminal portion to maintain adaptability for different dispensing positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the outlet system have different properties: the second outlet conduit is fixed with a larger diameter to minimize liquid losses, while the first outlet tube is extendable with a smaller diameter to provide positioning flexibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between adaptability and liquid loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet tubes are made extendable to allow movement of the terminal portion between positions, then the adaptability of the dispensing device is improved, but the outlet tube diameter must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet system is segmented into two separate conduits: the first outlet tube (extendable, smaller diameter) and the second outlet conduit (fixed, larger diameter). This segmentation allows each conduit to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making both outlet tubes extendable to achieve terminal portion movement, the invention inverts the approach by making the terminal portion movable while keeping the second outlet conduit fixed. This reversal eliminates the need for the second tube to extend, preserving its diameter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both outlet tubes are made extendable to allow terminal portion movement, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for buffer units
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the outlet system into fixed and movable parts, the invention eliminates the need for buffer units in the fixed second outlet conduit, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability through the movable terminal portion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing device (1) comprising a main body (3) and a spout (4) with an outer shell (5) and an outlet tube (6) and outlet conduit (7) housed in the outer shell (5) is described. The outer shell (5) comprises a main portion (8) and a terminal portion (9) that can be positioned in a first position in which the terminal portion (9) is coupled with the main portion (8) and in a second position in which the terminal portion (9) is separated from the main portion (8). The spout (4) comprises a first outlet (10) in fluidic connection with the outlet tube (6) and configured to allow for the discharging of a first liquid, and the first outlet is arranged in and/or coupled to the terminal portion (9). The spout also comprises a second outlet (11) in fluidic connection with the outlet conduit (7) and configured to allow for the discharging of a second liquid. The second outlet (11) is arranged in and/or coupled with the main portion (8).