Flexible Annular Neck Nozzle for Controlled Dropper Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drop dispensers lack an efficient mechanism for controlled dispensing of liquids or pasty masses, as they rely on pressure to push content through an outlet, which can lead to inconsistent dispensing and lack of retraction of the nozzle, resulting in potential leakage and inefficient use.
Innovation Solution
A flexible annular neck nozzle with a haptically distinguishable actuating zone and varying wall thicknesses, allowing for tilting and arching of the nozzle to reduce internal volume, enabling controlled dispensing and retraction of the nozzle due to its restoring force, with a sealing system to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure is exerted upon the lateral surfaces of the receptacle to push liquid through the outlet opening, then liquid dispensing is achieved, but the nozzle cannot be retracted and leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with a flexible annular neck section that can dynamically change its shape and position. When pressure is applied to the receptacle, the nozzle tilts and the annular neck arches into the inner volume, reducing the cap's inner volume to control liquid flow. After dispensing, the nozzle automatically returns to its original position through elastic recovery, preventing leakage and enabling retraction functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If the nozzle wall is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the nozzle cannot tilt and arch to reduce internal volume
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with non-uniform wall thickness, featuring thicker end sections for structural stability and a thinner annular neck section for flexibility. This local differentiation allows the nozzle to maintain its overall structural integrity while enabling the annular neck to tilt and arch when needed, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular neck section is designed with reduced wall thickness to create a flexible region that can deform under pressure. This flexible shell allows the nozzle to tilt and arch, reducing the cap's inner volume for controlled dispensing, while the thicker end sections provide the necessary structural support.
3Measurement precision
If the outlet opening has a small diameter to meter low viscosity liquid, then liquid metering precision is improved, but pasty mass with high viscosity cannot be dispensed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet opening is designed with a movable edge that can dynamically change its position and effective diameter. When a user applies force to the actuating projection, the nozzle tilts and the outlet opening edge moves, temporarily increasing the opening diameter to allow pasty mass to pass through. This dynamic adjustment enables the same outlet structure to handle both low viscosity liquids and high viscosity pasty masses effectively.
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 flexible nozzle design allows for precise dispensing and retraction of liquids or pasty masses, reducing leakage and improving user control, while the sealing system ensures the cap remains securely attached to the receptacle.
Implementation Method 1
the wall of the annular neck is flexible. A force exerted upon the nozzle transverse to the direction of its axis respectively leads to a tilt of the nozzle or its axis extending through the nozzle opening. The wall of the annular neck arches into the inner volume of the cap. This leads to a reduction of the inner volume of the cap enclosed by the nozzle wall. The flexible wall of the annular neck has a sufficient restoring force for once again returning the nozzle into its original position after the transverse force has been suspended.
Implementation Method 2
This leads to a slight suction effect such that the portion of the liquid or pasty mass located in the small-diameter end section is once again drawn into the receptacle.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dispensing drops with a cap that forms a nozzle, wherein the nozzle features a wall, which is attached to a large-diameter end section and in certain areas realized in the form of an annular neck, as well as a small-diameter end section, which is attached to the annular neck and features an opening, and wherein an axis of the nozzle extends through the opening and the large-diameter end section. The wall of the annular neck is so flexible that the axis of the nozzle is tilted by an angle and a concavity is formed in the region of the annular neck when a force is exerted upon the small-diameter end section. An actuating projection for exerting the force is assigned to the small-diameter end section and protrudes transverse to the nozzle axis, wherein the actuating projection is formed by a collar with a circular horizontal projection.