Reversible Elastomer Plug for Needle-Free Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid product dispensing devices face issues such as contamination risk due to metallic needles, high manufacturing costs, and complex recycling, particularly in single-dose or double-dose devices used for nasal, oral, or sublingual administration.
Innovation Solution
A fluid product dispensing device with a deformable elastomer cap that seals hermetically and is symmetrical, featuring radially opposed domed parts that open and close under pressure, eliminating the need for metallic needles and simplifying assembly and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic needle is used to pierce the stopper, then the device can effectively dispense the fluid product, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device becomes more complex to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the metallic needle component from the dispensing system entirely. Instead of using a needle to pierce the stopper, the system relies on the elastomeric stopper's own deformability under pressure to create the dispensing pathway. This extraction of the needle component directly reduces manufacturing cost and simplifies recycling while maintaining dispensing effectiveness through the alternative mechanism of elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the stopper material from a rigid or semi-rigid structure requiring needle penetration to a highly elastic elastomeric material that deforms reversibly under pressure. This parameter change in material properties allows the stopper to be pierced and sealed repeatedly without metallic intervention, resolving the contradiction between reliable dispensing and ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If a metallic needle is used to pierce the stopper, then the device can effectively dispense the fluid product, but the device becomes more complex to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the metallic needle from the system, the invention eliminates a component that complicates recycling. The entire dispensing mechanism can now be made from elastomeric or plastic materials that are easier to recycle together as a single unit, while the stopper's elastic deformation capability maintains dispensing effectiveness without metallic parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention promotes material homogeneity by eliminating the metallic needle and using uniform elastomeric or plastic materials throughout the stopper and surrounding components. This homogeneity simplifies recycling processes as the entire assembly can be processed together without separating dissimilar materials, while the elastomeric properties ensure reliable dispensing action.
3Reliability
If a metallic needle pierces the stopper, then the fluid product can be dispensed, but elastomer particles can detach and contaminate the dispensed fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the elastomeric stopper with a controlled deformation mechanism that gradually opens under pressure rather than being abruptly pierced by a needle. This cushioning approach prevents sudden particle detachment and contamination, while still achieving the necessary opening for fluid dispensing. The elastic material's gradual response protects against harmful particle generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable elastomeric stopper design where the stopper is replaced or the entire device is disposed of after use. This eliminates the risk of repeated needle piercings causing particle detachment and contamination across multiple uses. The stopper's elastic properties enable it to function reliably for its intended single-use lifecycle without generating contaminating particles.
4Ease of manufacture
If a symmetrical and reversible cap is used, then the device becomes simpler to manufacture and assemble, but the cap must be elastically deformable to open and close passages
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters of the cap to elastomeric composition, which provides the necessary elastic deformability while maintaining structural integrity. This parameter change allows the cap to be symmetrical and reversible for simplified manufacturing and assembly, while the elastomeric properties enable it to deform elastically under pressure to open and close passages as required for dispensing 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
Reduces contamination risk, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances spray reproducibility by avoiding needle use and simplifying assembly, while maintaining fluid integrity before and during distribution.
Implementation Method 1
said cap having an elastically deformable internal part which, when pressure is applied on one axial side of the cap or the other, deforms to open a passage, and which, when said pressure ceases, elastically returns to its rest position in which it seals said passage
Implementation Method 2
said internal part comprises two radially opposed domed parts stressed at rest radially against each other to seal said passage
Implementation Method 3
said stopper rising in said tank under the effect of the hydraulic pressure of the fluid product
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a body (1), a reservoir (10) containing one or two doses of a fluid product, said reservoir (10) comprising a plug (12) which closes off said reservoir (10) in a sealed manner before actuation, a dispensing head (20) provided with a dispensing orifice (21), and dispensing means for dispensing at least some of said fluid product through said dispensing orifice (21) during an actuation, the plug (12) being symmetrical and reversible, and the plug (12) having an internal portion (124) which is elastically deformable and which, when pressure is applied on one axial side of said plug (12) or the other, deforms in order to open a passage (15) and, when this pressure is released, returns elastically into its resting position in which it closes off the aforementioned passage (15).