Dual Reservoir Spray Dispenser: Sinuous Pipe Mixing Against Clogging
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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, which compromise user experience and efficacy, particularly in long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A spray dispenser with a common actuator featuring a sinuous pipe having three orifices, where the first inlet orifice is in fluid communication with the first pump unit, the second inlet orifice is in communication with the second pump unit, and the outlet orifice is connected to the nozzle tip, with the axis of the inlet orifices intersecting perpendicularly with the spray direction, ensuring homogeneous mixing and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a common spray actuator with multiple inlet orifices is used, then mixing of components is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inlet orifices into a single common spray actuator body, combining the functions of multiple separate actuators into one integrated component. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining the ability to mix multiple components effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The common spray actuator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mixing chamber, a distribution system for multiple components, and a spray delivery mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mixing and spraying components, reducing overall device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate pipes with T-shape or Y-shape configuration are used, then component mixing is achieved, but clogging occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or sinuous pipe configurations instead of sharp T-shaped or Y-shaped junctions. The curved paths prevent stagnant zones and dead volumes where components could accumulate and clog, ensuring continuous flow and reliable operation over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes flow parameters such as velocity, pressure distribution, and residence time within the mixing chamber to ensure complete mixing while preventing component accumulation. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves reliable clog-free operation.
3Shape
If side-by-side reservoirs are positioned for aesthetic visibility, then user appreciation is improved, but spray direction becomes perpendicular to reservoir plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the spray outlet in a different spatial dimension relative to the reservoir arrangement. By orienting the spray direction along the axis of the reservoirs rather than perpendicular to them, the design maintains aesthetic side-by-side visibility while improving ergonomic spray control.
4Productivity
If microcapsules and volatile solvent are used for fragrance, then fragrance delivery is improved, but clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluid dynamic principles to create sufficient flow velocity and pressure differential through the pipe system. This hydraulic action prevents microcapsules from settling and accumulating, ensuring reliable operation with microcapsule-containing fragrance compositions.
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 ensures long-lasting, clog-free operation and homogeneous mixing of components, maintaining user satisfaction and spray performance over time without increasing complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump unit in fluid communication with the first reservoir; a second pump unit in fluid communication with the second reservoir
Implementation Method 2
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 (2) having a sinuous path. The pipe can include two inlet orifices (3, 5) and an outlet orifice (4).