Dose Indicator Rotary Counting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dose indicators in fluid dispenser devices are complex, expensive, and prone to undercounting due to short actuation strokes and dimensional tolerances, requiring complex mechanisms and modified assembly procedures, making them difficult to manufacture, assemble, and read, especially for devices dispensing a large number of doses.
Innovation Solution
A dose indicator comprising a simple, compact design with a rotary transmission element and two rotary counter elements that cooperate to provide a common indication, featuring a small number of components, easy-to-read numbers, and integrated actuation means, ensuring accurate counting from the start of the actuation stroke without modifying the assembly procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing indication systems use multiple constituent parts cooperating together, then the indication function can be achieved, but the device becomes complex, bulky, and expensive to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple indication functions into a single integrated display element. The indicator element integrates the display surface, actuation mechanism, and counting functionality into one unified component, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts that would otherwise be required to achieve the same indication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the number of doses remaining, provides tactile feedback to the user, and integrates the actuation mechanism. This multi-functional design reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
2Ease of operation
If existing systems use elastically deformable elements for actuation, then the actuation function is achieved, but these elements may deform after several actuations and no longer guarantee reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rigid actuating element with a limited number of predefined actuations based on the initial number of doses. This element is designed to be replaced when it reaches the end of its functional life, ensuring reliable operation for the intended duration without the degradation issues of reusable elastic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element transitions from a flexible, deformable state to a rigid, pre-programmed state. By changing the physical parameter of rigidity and programming the element with a fixed number of actuations corresponding to the initial dose count, the system achieves reliable operation without the gradual deformation problems of elastic materials.
3Loss of information
If existing indicators use numerical indication, then the dose count can be displayed, but the numbers are often difficult for the user to read, especially when dispensing a large number of doses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual differentiation through color or contrast changes on the indicator element to enhance readability. The indication surface employs distinct visual patterns, colors, or luminous elements that make the remaining dose count easily distinguishable and readable by the user, even at a glance or in various lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element incorporates three-dimensional visual features such as raised numbers, luminescent markers, or color-coded zones that add depth and dimension to the display. This dimensional enhancement makes the dose count more visually prominent and easier to read compared to flat, two-dimensional numerical displays.
4Reliability
If existing meters require a modified assembly procedure, then the dose indication function can be integrated, but the complexity of the device increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element is pre-assembled and pre-programmed with the initial number of doses before integration into the dispensing device. This preliminary preparation allows the indicator to be installed as a complete, self-contained unit, simplifying the assembly procedure and reducing manufacturing complexity compared to assembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element is designed to be self-contained with integrated actuation and display functions, requiring minimal external components or complex integration procedures. The element essentially installs itself into the dispensing device with a simple mounting mechanism, eliminating the need for modified assembly procedures and reducing manufacturing complexity.
5Reliability
If the actuation stroke is very short (1 to 1.5 mm), then the safety requirement to avoid undercounting is met, but it becomes difficult to actuate the counter and may require complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation mechanisms with a simpler system based on a pre-programmed rigid actuating element. Instead of using multiple mechanical components to amplify or transmit the short stroke, the system uses a directly actuated element that is mechanically coupled to the dispensing mechanism, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable counting.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid actuating element serves as an intermediary between the short actuation stroke and the counting mechanism. This intermediate element translates the brief mechanical motion into a reliable counting action through its pre-programmed structure, eliminating the need for complex transmission mechanisms while ensuring accurate dose counting.
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 solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-read dose indicator that accurately counts up to 200 doses without undercounting, integrating actuation means within a self-contained unit, suitable for various fluid dispenser devices, ensuring seamless integration and operation.
Implementation Method 1
said lower surface including a first gear cooperating with an actuating gear provided on said rotary transmission element
Implementation Method 2
said first rotary counter element comprising a drive tooth adapted to cooperate on each complete revolution of said first rotary counter element with a second gear provided on said second rotary counting
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
Dose indicator (A) for indicating the number of doses dispensed or remaining to be dispensed from a fluid product dispensing device (B), characterized in that it comprises an indicator body (100), an actuating element (1), a rotary transmission element (7), a first rotary counting element (13) and a second rotary counting element (10), said first and second rotary counting elements (13, 10) being positioned side by side in the same plane and rotating about parallel axes of rotation, said first and second counting elements (13, 10) collaborating to provide a common indication upon each actuation of the indicator, said first rotary counting element (13) being a disc having a top surface and an underside, said top surface comprising first indicator means positioned at the outer peripheral edge of said top surface and said underside comprising a first gear (16) collaborating with actuating gears (9) provided on said rotary transmission element (7), said first rotary counting element (13) comprising a drive tooth (15) able, upon each complete revolution of said first rotary counting element (13), to collaborate with a second gear (12) provided on said second rotary counting element (10).