Dose Counter with Flexible Branch for Dispenser Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dose counters for fluid or powder dispenser devices face issues such as interference with device actuation, complex assembly, increased device thickness, and manufacturing costs, while requiring precise actuation to avoid under- or over-counting.
Innovation Solution
A dose counter design featuring a base body with a rotary counter element and an actuator member that includes a fastener, a rigid support portion connected via an elastically-deformable portion, and a flexible branch to ensure reliable actuation independent of the actuation stroke length, allowing for pre-assembly and simple mounting, minimizing thickness and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the counter is fastened on the bottom of the reservoir projecting out from the body, then the counter is accessible to the user, but it interferes with the actuation of the dispenser device
Solution Approach 1:
The counter is moved from the bottom of the reservoir to the outer surface of the body, changing its spatial position from an interfering location to a non-interfering location. This dimensional relocation allows the counter to be accessible while not obstructing the actuation stroke of the reservoir.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the counter is disposed inside the body, then it does not interfere with actuation, but it requires complex mounting and substantial modifications to component parts
Solution Approach 1:
The counter is designed as a separate, modular component that can be mounted on the outer surface of the body without requiring integration into the internal structure. This segmentation allows the counter to be attached independently, avoiding complex modifications to the dispenser device components.
3Ease of operation
If the counter is arranged on an outside face of the body, then it is accessible, but it requires substantial modification to the body and increases device thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The counter is designed with pre-formed mounting features and a compact structure that requires minimal preparation of the body surface. The counter can be attached using simple fastening methods without requiring substantial modification or thickening of the body structure.
4Length of moving object
If the actuation stroke is very short, then the device is compact, but the manufacturing tolerances reduce the distance available for effective actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The counter is designed to automatically detect and respond to the actuation event without requiring precise control of the actuation stroke length. The counter mechanism self-adjusts to the actual movement occurring in the device, eliminating the need for tight manufacturing tolerances on the actuation stroke.
5Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used to provide counting functional and safe, then counting reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The counting function is extracted from the main dispenser mechanism and implemented as a separate, simplified counter assembly. This extraction allows the counting mechanism to be designed independently with simpler components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability through dedicated counting functionality.
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
The counter provides accurate and reliable dose counting with minimal thickness and reduced manufacturing costs, ensuring actuation consistency and optimal display, independent of the actuation stroke length, while maintaining device functionality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically-deformable portion that surrounds said pin
Data Source
AI summary
A dose counter, the counter having a base body, with a rotary counter element assembled in the base body on a pin forming the axis of rotation. The rotary counter element co-operating with an actuator member adapted to cause the rotary counter element to turn each time the actuator member is actuated. The actuator member including a fastener for fastening to the base body (460) and arranged on a first side of the pin, and a substantially rigid support portion arranged on a second side of said pin. The support portion supporting an actuator element so that, on each actuation, the actuator element is moved in translation. The support portion is connected to the fastener via an elastically-deformable portion that surrounds the pin. The support portion is extended towards the pin by a substantially-rectilinear flexible branch that supports a lug adapted to co-operate with the counter element on each actuation.