Flexible Pouch Metering Dispenser with Spray Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing devices are inefficient, often delivering erratic fluid volumes, requiring user effort to squeeze containers, prone to leakage, and limited in application direction due to gravity dependence, lacking consistent metering and even distribution.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pouch with a metering mechanism and spray nozzle that uses one-way valves to deliver a consistent, metered dose of fluid in spray form, allowing dispensing at any point and independent of gravity, with a flexible spray nozzle for controlled application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flexible container with a nozzle tip is used for dispensing fluid material, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fluid volume delivered is erratic and the container must be held upright to avoid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device is segmented into distinct functional components: a flexible reservoir for fluid storage, a metering pump mechanism for controlled delivery, and a nozzle for fluid ejection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity and manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering pump mechanism automatically meters and delivers fluid in controlled amounts without requiring external measurement or adjustment by the user. The pump's internal geometry and valve system self-regulate fluid flow, ensuring consistent delivery volume while preventing leakage, eliminating the need to hold the container upright.
2Reliability
If a single one-way check valve is provided at the exit port to prevent leakage, then leakage is reduced, but the valve becomes partially clogged over time requiring additional pressure to open
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic check valve function is extracted and replaced by a dedicated metering pump mechanism with integrated inlet and outlet valves. This new valve system is specifically designed to resist clogging and maintains reliable operation over time, eliminating the need for users to apply excessive pressure to open a degraded valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design parameters are optimized to prevent clogging while maintaining sealing effectiveness. The metering pump's valve geometry, flow passages, and actuation mechanism are specifically engineered to allow smooth operation without requiring excessive force, even after extended use.
3Ease of operation
If spring-loaded buttons are used to open exit port and deliver fluid to applicator material, then dispensing operation is simplified, but the device cannot deliver substantially equal dose of fluid with each operation and is limited to gravity-dependent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The metering pump mechanism automatically meters precise volumes of fluid with each actuation cycle through its internal geometry and valve timing. This self-metering capability ensures substantially equal dosage delivery with each pump operation, eliminating the variability inherent in gravity-dependent flow systems while maintaining ease of operation through simple button actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering pump operates in periodic cycles: actuation opens the outlet valve to deliver a metered dose, then the valve closes and the pump refills during the return stroke. This periodic on-off action, synchronized with the pump's mechanical cycle, ensures consistent dosage delivery independent of gravity, while the simple actuation mechanism maintains ease of operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If applicator material is applied to output port for even distribution of fluid, then fluid distribution becomes more even, but the device requires squeezing the entire container body and cannot dispense in directions opposite to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The metering pump mechanism serves as an intermediary between the fluid reservoir and applicator material. It delivers fluid in controlled, metered amounts directly to the applicator, ensuring even distribution without requiring the user to squeeze the entire container body. This intermediary mechanism enables precise control while simplifying the overall dispensing action to a single pump operation.
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
Ensures predictable and even fluid distribution across multiple locations, enhancing user experience with consistent metered dosages and flexible application points, overcoming previous inefficiencies and limitations.
Implementation Method 1
A first one-way valve is disposed between the container and the flexible metering housing. When the flexible metering housing is depressed and released a vacuum action generates a one-way flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container that serves to fill the predetermined volume of the chamber within the metering housing.
Implementation Method 2
A spray nozzle member is attached to an exit port of the container. Each press of the flexible membrane causes a metered amount of liquid to be forced through the spray nozzle to provide the desired atomized delivery application.
Data Source
AI summary
An atomizing fluid dispenser for delivering, via a spray nozzle, a substantially equal metered dose of fluid material for each dispensing operation. The fluid dispensing device includes a container with an interior fluid storage region therein. A metering housing, when depressed, generates a one-way flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container that serves to fill the predetermined volume of the chamber within the metering housing. When the metering housing is depressed a second time a substantially equal volume of fluid is dispensed from the container, while upon release, the metering housing is refilled by drawing fluid from the fluid storage region. A spray nozzle or atomizer is attached to the exit port of the dispensing device so that the liquid is delivered in metered fashion in spray form.