Dual-Reservoir Spray Actuator With Sinuous Mixing Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual reservoir spray dispensers with side-by-side reservoirs face issues such as clogging over time, incomplete mixing of components, and complex actuator assemblies, compromising user experience and efficacy, especially when used for long periods or with fragrance compositions containing microcapsules.
Innovation Solution
A spray dispenser design featuring a common spray actuator with a sinuous pipe having three orifices, where the axis of the inlet orifices intersects the spray direction, ensuring homogeneous mixing and preventing clogging by allowing a sinuous path for components, which can be actuated with one finger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a dual reservoir spray dispenser with side-by-side reservoirs and separate pump units is used, then the aesthetic appearance and visibility of both containers are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate pump units into a single integrated pump unit that services both reservoirs. The actuator assembly includes one pump unit with a single pump chamber that can draw from and dispense both first and second reservoirs through a common fluid path, eliminating the need for separate pump units for each reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both reservoirs. The pump chamber can selectively draw liquid from either the first or second reservoir, and the fluid path can route liquid from both reservoirs to the nozzle for simultaneous or sequential dispensing, making one pump unit perform the functions of two.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate pipes with outlet orifices close to each other are used for in-flight mixing, then the mixing function is achieved, but the pipe clogging risk increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid paths of both reservoirs into a common pipe that leads to a single outlet orifice. Both liquid streams travel through this common pipe together, ensuring continuous mixing occurs within the pipe itself, and eliminating the risk of one pipe becoming clogged while the other remains functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The design ensures that both components are mixed within the pipe before reaching the outlet orifice. The common pipe serves as a mixing chamber where liquid from both reservoirs combines and mixes thoroughly during transit, so by the time the mixture reaches the outlet, it is already homogeneous, preventing clogging at the outlet.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a common pipe with T-shape or Y-shape configuration is used for mixing components, then the mixing function is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber is segmented into distinct regions: a first region that draws liquid from the first reservoir and a second region that draws liquid from the second reservoir. These segmented regions feed into a common fluid path, allowing independent control of each component's flow while maintaining a simplified overall structure without complex T or Y configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate parts are used in the actuator assembly, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into an integrated actuator assembly. The single pump unit incorporates the pump chamber, fluid path, and connection mechanisms for both reservoirs into one manufacturable unit, reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled and manufactured independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is designed as a universal unit that can handle both reservoirs and both liquid components through a single integrated system. This multi-functional design allows one actuator assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining full 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 design provides improved spray performance over time, prevents clogging, ensures homogeneous mixing, and simplifies the actuator assembly, maintaining user satisfaction and efficacy from the first to the last spray.
Implementation Method 1
the pipe of the common spray actuator has a sinuous path and comprises a first inlet orifice, at one end, being in fluid communication with the first pump unit; one outlet orifice, at the other end, being in fluid communication with the nozzle tip; and a second inlet orifice, located between the first inlet orifice and the outlet orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A dual reservoir spray dispenser can separately hold two different components, while jointly dispensing the two different components as a sprayable composition. A common actuator of the dual reservoir spray dispenser can include a pipe having a sinuous path. The pipe can include two inlet orifices and an outlet orifice.