Dispensing Device Trigger Mechanism for Ergonomic Low-Location Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dispensing devices require users to bend over, kneel down, or contort their bodies to apply flowable materials to low locations, leading to discomfort and potential back strain, as the trigger mechanism is typically positioned beneath the cylinder, making it difficult to access and apply materials to areas like where a floor meets a wall without straining.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing device with a trigger mechanism oriented to allow the user to hold it like a suitcase, positioning the trigger above the cylinder and extending it from the device, enabling users to remain standing while dispensing to low areas, reducing the need for bending or kneeling and minimizing strain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the trigger mechanism is located beneath the cylinder as in conventional dispensing devices, then the device structure is compact and simple, but the user must bend over, kneel down, or squat to access the trigger, causing back strain and discomfort when dispensing to low locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfort and safetyVSAvoidtrigger mechanism positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger mechanism is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement (beneath the cylinder) to a vertical arrangement (above the cylinder), changing the spatial dimension of operation. This allows the user to operate the trigger while standing upright, eliminating the need to bend or kneel, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity by introducing a vertical dimension to the trigger-cylinder arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the trigger mechanism is positioned close to the dispensing point for compactness, then the device is more compact, but the user cannot maintain an upright position and must contort body parts to reach low locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser posture and body strainVSAvoiddistance from trigger to dispensing point
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle and trigger mechanism are extended vertically above the cylinder rather than being positioned horizontally near the dispensing point. This vertical extension allows the user to operate the trigger from a comfortable distance while maintaining an upright posture, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device length by utilizing the vertical dimension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables comfortable and safe dispensing of flowable materials to low locations without straining the back, ensuring proper application and reducing the risk of injury by allowing users to maintain an upright position during use.

Implementation Method 1

Upon actuation, a trigger mechanism supplies a pressure medium within the cylinder for displacing the piston in the forward ejecting direction to dispense flowable material from the dispensing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2307636B1Dispensing device arranged to reduce the risk of strain and injury during use
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 ALBION ENG
  • EP2307636B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2307636B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2307636B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A device for dispensing flowable materials to low locations without the user being required to bend over or kneel down during dispensing provides relief from back strain or other injuries. The device includes a cylinder having a piston mounted therein which reciprocates between forward ejecting and return directions. A driven rod, connected to the piston, extends through a front wall of the cylinder. Upon actuation, a trigger mechanism supplies a pressure medium within the cylinder for displacing the piston in the forward ejecting direction to dispense flowable material from the dispensing device. The trigger mechanism is oriented to enable the user to hold the dispensing device like a suitcase and is spaced a sufficient distance from where the flowable material is dispensed to enable a user to remain standing erect while dispensing to low areas such as where a floor and wall meet.