Disposable Fluid Applicator with Perforated Membrane and Tab Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid applicators lack a safe and controlled mechanism to open a fluid reservoir without applying pressure, leading to uncontrollable dispensing and potential overspray, and often require protection from pressure to prevent unintended rupture of the frangible seal.
Innovation Solution
A disposable fluid applicator design featuring a hermetically sealed container with a tab assembly that covers perforations, allowing controlled dispensing by finger pressure, using a flexible and impermeable membrane with perforations for fluid flow through a porous spreader, ensuring even coverage and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a frangible seal is used to open the reservoir, then the reservoir can be opened, but the rupture becomes uncontrollable and creates the likelihood that more fluid is dispensed than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple separate seals (first seal and second seal) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows controlled opening through tab removal rather than pressure-induced rupture, enabling precise fluid dispensing without uncontrollable release.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are pre-attached to the seals and positioned to cover the perforations before use. The user performs the opening action by removing the tabs rather than applying pressure to rupture the seal, providing controlled and predictable fluid release.
2Ease of operation
If a frangible seal is used to open the reservoir, then the reservoir can be opened, but the device must be protected from pressure before use to prevent unintended rupturing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple seals positioned at different locations (first seal at the opening, second seal at the bottom). This segmentation eliminates the need for pressure protection during storage and transport, as the seals remain intact without requiring protective measures.
3Productivity
If an absorbent layer is used to dispense liquid, then the device can dispense liquid, but not all fluid is fully dispensed and some remains in the absorbent layer reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A porous spreader is used instead of an absorbent layer. The porous structure allows fluid to pass through by capillary action and be dispensed onto the target surface, rather than being absorbed and retained. This enables complete fluid dispensing without significant retention in the applicator material.
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 design enables safe, controlled, and efficient fluid dispensing without overspray, is portable, hygienic, and environmentally responsible, while being durable and inexpensive to manufacture, with the ability to handle various fluid viscosities and applications.
Implementation Method 1
a porous spreader that allows fluid to pass through
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable fluid applicator having a reservoir with a first membrane and a second membrane. Said reservoir containing a fluid to be dispensed. Said first membrane of the reservoir having perforations and being covered by a permeable and/or absorbent spreader. A removable tab assembly is disposed between said spreader and said first membrane of the reservoir that seals said reservoir. When the tab is pulled from between said spreader and said first membrane of the reservoir the reservoir becomes unsealed allowing the fluid contained inside the reservoir to flow out through an opening in the first membrane into and through the spreader where the fluid can be applied to a desired surface.