Drive Spring Energy Storage for Reload-Free Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing devices require intermediate reloading or recharging of mechanical energy storage after each dispensing action, which complicates user handling and reduces user acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical energy storage system featuring a drive spring that can be reversibly preloaded and unloaded, allowing for multiple dispensing procedures without intermediate reloading, by compressing the drive spring to induce resilient deformation and then relaxing it to restore its original shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a mechanical energy storage is used in existing fluid dispensing devices, then the fluid can be dispensed with sufficient force for atomization, but the mechanical energy storage must be recharged after each dispensing action which complicates user handling
Solution Approach 1:
The drive spring is pre-loaded during the closing motion of the protective cap before use, storing mechanical energy in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for recharging after each dispensing, as the spring is already prepared to provide the necessary force for atomization when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically recharges the mechanical energy storage during the normal operation cycle (when the protective cap is closed), without requiring separate user intervention. The closing action of the cap itself performs the charging function, making the system self-servicing.
2Reliability
If a mechanical energy storage is recharged after each dispensing action, then the device can maintain functionality, but user acceptance and efficiency are reduced due to frequent reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical energy storage is recharged continuously during the protective cap closing motion, ensuring the system is always ready for dispensing without interruption. This continuous preparation maintains reliability while eliminating downtime between dispensing actions, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive spring is pre-loaded during the closing motion of the protective cap before use, storing mechanical energy in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for recharging after each dispensing, as the spring is already prepared to provide the necessary force for atomization when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the drive spring is compressed in the longitudinal direction to store mechanical energy, then the spring induces resilient deformation in the transverse direction, but this requires precise control of deformation direction
Solution Approach 1:
The drive spring is designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional geometry (e.g., elliptical or I-shaped) rather than a symmetric circular cross-section. This asymmetry causes the spring to naturally deform in a specific transverse direction when compressed longitudinally, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms to guide the deformation direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring's cross-sectional geometry is specifically tailored at different locations to control the deformation behavior. By varying the local geometry (thickness distribution, cross-sectional shape), the spring is guided to deform in the desired transverse direction while storing mechanical energy efficiently.
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 the fluid dispensing device to provide repeated partial release of mechanical energy for multiple dispensing procedures without the need for intermediate reloading, enhancing user convenience and device efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The drive spring comprises a first longitudinal end to engage with a housing of the fluid dispensing device. The drive spring further comprises a second longitudinal end opposite to the first longitudinal end. The second longitudinal end is configured to engage with a driver movable relative to the housing along the longitudinal direction (z). The mechanical energy storage is reversibly transferable into a preloaded state by resiliently compressing the first drive spring in the longitudinal direction (z) thereby inducing a resilient deformation of the first drive spring in a first transverse direction (y)
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical energy storage is transferable from the preloaded state into an unloaded state by allowing the first drive spring to relax into or towards the undeformed configuration, e.g. in a laterally undeformed configuration, with regard to the first transverse direction (y). This relaxing motion or bending of the first drive spring is typically accompanied by a longitudinal extension or expansion of the drive spring
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a mechanical energy storage for a fluid dispensing device (10), the mechanical energy storage comprising:—a first drive spring (51) extending along a longitudinal direction (z),—the drive spring (51) comprising a first longitudinal end (53) to engage with a housing (10) of the fluid dispensing device (1) and a second longitudinal end (54) opposite to the first longitudinal end (53) to engage with a driver (30) movable relative to the housing (10) along the longitudinal direction (z),—wherein the mechanical energy storage (50) is reversibly transferable into a pre-loaded state by resiliently compressing the first drive spring (51) in the longitudinal direction (z) to thereby induce a resilient deformation of the first drive spring (51) in a first direction (y) transverse to the longitudinal direction (z), and-wherein the mechanical energy storage (50) is transferable from the pre-loaded state into an unloaded state by allowing the first drive spring (51) to relax into or towards an undeformed configuration with regard to the first direction (y) accompanied by a longitudinal expansion of the first drive spring (51).