Flexible Actuator Dispensing Tip for Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container designs for dispensing fluids, particularly in the cosmetics industry, lack flexibility and efficiency in controlling the dispensing of products with varying viscosities, often resulting in either excessive flow or difficulty in dispensing the last amounts of product.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part container system comprising a rigid bottle, a flexible dispensing actuator, and a replaceable dispensing tip, where the actuator is positioned between the bottle and the tip, allowing pressure application to control the flow, and featuring snap-fit connections for easy assembly and replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single integrated container design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but flexibility in controlling dispensing for varying viscosities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is divided into separate modular components: a rigid bottle for storage, a flexible actuator for pressure application, and a replaceable tip for dispensing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a flexible actuator that can be dynamically compressed to apply varying pressure levels, enabling adaptation to different product viscosities. The replaceable tip design also allows dynamic reconfiguration for different dispensing needs.
2Measurement precision
If pressure control is added to control flow rate, then dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed as a flexible sleeve or bladder that can be compressed by hand pressure to control product flow. This flexible membrane approach provides intuitive pressure control without requiring complex mechanical valves or pumps, maintaining simplicity while achieving precise flow control.
3Strength
If the container is designed as a single unit, then structural integrity is maintained, but replacement of worn parts is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container system uses snap-fit connections to join the bottle, actuator, and tip components, allowing individual parts to be replaced while maintaining overall structural integrity. The rigid bottle provides structural strength, while the modular design enables easy replacement of worn actuators or tips.
4Device complexity
If the dispensing tip is fixed, then assembly is simpler, but adaptability to different dispensing needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing tip is designed as a replaceable component that can be swapped based on different dispensing needs. The snap-fit connection allows quick replacement without tools, providing adaptability while maintaining simple assembly procedures.
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
Enables controlled and efficient dispensing of fluids with varying viscosities, allowing for precise control over the flow rate and minimizing product loss, with the ability to replace parts such as the tip or bottle for continued use without waste.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible actuator configured to receive a product from the rigid bottle
Implementation Method 2
the actuator is positioned between the bottle and the tip, allowing pressure application to control the flow
Data Source
AI summary
Containers for distributing products are disclosed. The containers comprise a bottle having at least one sidewall and defining a cavity therein. The bottle has at least one opening. The containers also include an actuator comprising at least one sidewall defining a cavity therein. The bottle also includes a tip including an orifice. The orifice is configured to dispense product therethrough. The actuator is positioned between the bottle and the tip.