Fluid Dispenser Removable Actuator for Easier Thumb Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispenser devices face difficulties in actuation, especially when pre-compression and blocking means, such as breakable bridges, are used, particularly in devices with small radial dimensions, leading to potential malfunctions and incomplete dosing due to axial misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser device with a removable actuator member having a larger radial dimension than the body's distal bearing surface, made of flexible material like thermoplastic elastomer, which increases the contact area with the user's thumb, providing easier actuation and complete dosing by distributing the force over a larger surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-compression and blocking means (breakable bridges) are provided in the device, then reliability of complete dosing is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a small distal bearing surface (2D constraint) to a larger actuator member with extended radial dimension (3D expansion). This dimensional change provides a larger contact area for the user's thumb, distributing actuation force more effectively and making it easier to overcome the pre-compression and blocking means while maintaining reliable complete dosing.
2Volume of moving object
If radial dimensions of reservoir and body are kept small, then device compactness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced bearing surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the actuator function from the main body by introducing a removable actuator member. This segmentation allows the compact reservoir and body to maintain small dimensions while the actuator member can be designed with optimal radial dimensions for ease of operation. The actuator member can be attached or removed independently, decoupling the compactness requirement from the actuation requirement.
3Reliability
If blocking means and pre-compression means are provided, then reliability of complete dosing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blocking means and pre-compression means into a single integrated structure (breakable bridges). This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the dual functions of preventing accidental actuation and ensuring complete dosing through pre-compression.
4Area of stationary object
If distal bearing surface area is kept small, then device compactness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator member serves as an intermediary between the user's thumb and the distal bearing surface. It transfers and distributes the actuation force over a larger area, mediating between the compact distal bearing surface requirement and the ease of operation requirement. The actuator member's larger surface area reduces pressure points and makes actuation more comfortable and reliable.
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 solution enhances the ease of actuation and ensures complete dosing by providing a larger contact area, reducing the risk of malfunctions and making the device simpler to manufacture and assemble.
Implementation Method 1
said removable actuator member is made out of a flexible material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser device comprising a body (10) that supports, in stationary manner, a reservoir (20) containing fluid, a dispenser head (30) being assembled on said body (10) so as to be axially movable relative to said reservoir (20), said dispenser head (30) being provided with a dispenser orifice (31), said dispenser head (30) including a proximal bearing surface (35) that, during actuation, receives at least one, and typically two, of the user's fingers, and said body (10) including a distal bearing surface (15) that, during actuation, is suitable for receiving one of the user's fingers, and typically the thumb, said device including a removable actuator member (40) that is fastened in removable manner on said body (10) at said distal bearing surface (15), said removable actuator member (40) having a radial dimension that is greater than the radial dimension of said bearing surface (15).