Fluid Dispenser With Elastic Applicator and Rotational Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers are not intuitive to use, leading to excessive fluid dispensing and uneven distribution, with a lack of precision and ease in loading the applicator, and they are not easily cleanable or replaceable.
Innovation Solution
The dispenser features an elastically deformable applicator constrained by locking means, which reduces its volume and surface area when in use, allowing for precise dosing and widespread distribution, with automatic pump actuation and a venting passage to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the applicator is made large to increase application area, then the distribution surface is improved, but the cup size and device volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to be elastically deformable, changing its volume and shape dynamically. When inserted into the cup, the applicator is compressed to a reduced volume, allowing it to fit within a compact cup. When removed, it expands to its original larger size, providing a large application area for fluid distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the applicator is changed through elastic deformation. By applying mechanical compression when the applicator is in the cup, its volume parameter is reduced. When removed from the cup, the elastic material returns to its original state, increasing the application surface area without requiring a larger cup.
2Volume of stationary object
If the applicator is compressed to reduce volume, then the cup size is reduced, but the applicator surface area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator transitions between two dynamic states: compressed within the cup and expanded during application. The elastic material allows the applicator to be compact when stored in the cup, then expand to full surface area when removed for use, maximizing both cup compactness and application effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If the user must manually load the applicator by pressing the gripping mechanism, then the dosing control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the dosing action automatically when the applicator is inserted into the cup. The pump mechanism is triggered by the applicator insertion itself, eliminating the need for the user to manually press or operate separate controls. The applicator loads itself with the precise dose through this self-actuating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump delivers the precise dose of fluid to the applicator in advance, during the insertion action itself, before the user needs to use the applicator. This preliminary dosing action is automatically performed as part of the loading process, ensuring precise measurement without requiring separate user actions.
4Ease of operation
If the applicator is held freely in the cup, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the fluid distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid is forced to spread between the cup and applicator during the insertion and locking process, before the user removes the applicator for use. This preliminary distribution action ensures uniform coating of the applicator surface with fluid, creating consistent dosing conditions before the application phase begins.
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 simplifies handling, ensures precise and constant dosing, provides uniform distribution, and allows for easy cleaning and replacement of the applicator, while maintaining tightness and preventing fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The applicator is elastically deformable and is held within the cup by locking means. Thus, when the removable component is in place on the cup, the applicator has a reduced volume, and therefore a reduced surface area, compared to when the applicator is not subjected to any constraint.
Implementation Method 2
The dispenser also includes a pump having a pump body, a return spring, and an axially movable actuating rod that moves back and forth between an extended rest position and a retracted actuating position.
Implementation Method 3
This action activates the pump: a dose of fluid product is forced into the cup, which is then filled by the applicator.
Implementation Method 4
Preferably, the applicator is made of closed-cell foam, so that it absorbs the fluid product but does not become deeply saturated.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
Fluid product dispenser comprising: - a fluid product container (R), - a pump (P) having a pump body (PI), a return spring (P2) and an actuating rod (P3) that can be moved axially backwards and forwards between an extended position of rest and a depressed operating position, - a cup (1) for collecting the fluid product from the pump (P), the cup (1) being mounted on the actuating rod (P3), and - a removable member (2) in an axial direction, comprising an applicator (A) received in the cup (1) for withdrawing fluid product, the applicator (A) being elastically deformable and constrained within the cup (1) by locking means (23, 31), characterised in that the locking means are rotational locking means (23, 31), which comprise a plurality of fixed flanges (31) rigidly attached to the container (R), and the removable member (2) comprises a plurality of vanes (23) designed to be engageable under the fixed flanges (31).