Dual Seal Brush Applicator Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brush applicators in bottles often leak between the closure and the container, leading to uncontrolled liquid application due to excess liquid extraction, which results in inefficiencies and uncontrolled application of liquids like nail polish or touchup paint.
Innovation Solution
A dual seal system is introduced, comprising a closure and container fastener with a rod and circumferential projection, along with a resilient partially conical wiper, forming two seals to prevent leaks and remove excess liquid from the applicator before use, while maintaining the same number of parts as existing designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single seal design is used between the closure and container, then the device complexity is low, but leakage occurs between the closure and container
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system is divided into two distinct seals: a first seal between the closure and container, and a second seal between the rod and container. This segmentation allows each seal to address specific leakage points independently, improving overall seal reliability without creating a single complex sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves as an intermediary element that introduces a second seal between itself and the container. This intermediary seal addresses the specific leakage issue at the rod-container interface, which was not addressed by the original single seal between closure and container.
2Ease of operation
If no wiper is provided, then the device complexity is low, but excess liquid remains on the applicator causing uncontrolled application
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is merged with the existing rod structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. This allows the wiper function to be added without significantly increasing the number of parts, as the wiper is formed as part of the rod assembly that already exists in the brush-in-bottle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper automatically removes excess liquid from the applicator as the applicator is inserted into or withdrawn from the container. This self-service action occurs during the normal operation of using the product, requiring no additional user effort or complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a dual seal system with wiper is added, then leak prevention and liquid control improve, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is merged with the rod structure, and the second seal is integrated into the existing closure-container assembly. This merging approach allows the dual seal system to be implemented without proportionally increasing the number of parts, as components serve multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves multiple functions: it supports the applicator, provides a surface for the second seal, and incorporates the wiper function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in part count despite adding seal 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 dual seal system effectively prevents leaks and uncontrolled liquid application by creating a secure first seal between the closure and container, and a second seal that wipes excess liquid from the applicator, ensuring controlled and efficient liquid dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient partially conical wiper extends from the container for sealing with the circumferential projection of the rod
Implementation Method 2
The resilient partially conical wiper engages the liquid applicator upon removal of the liquid applicator from the container for removing excess liquid from the liquid applicator
Data Source
AI summary
A dual seal for a liquid applicator for applying a liquid from a container. The dual seal comprises a container having an open end with a container fastener. A closure having a closure fastener engages with the container fastener for forming a first seal between the closure and the liquid container. A rod extends from the closure for supporting a liquid applicator. A circumferential projection ends from a rod. A resilient partially conical wiper extends from the container for sealing with the circumferential projection of the rod for forming a second seal between the closure and the liquid container. The resilient partially conical wiper engages the liquid applicator upon removal of the liquid applicator from the container for removing excess liquid from the liquid applicator.