Dual-Dose Fluid Dispenser With Clear Window Dose Indicator

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual-dose fluid dispenser devices face challenges in indicating the dispensing of doses clearly, especially for users with degraded vision, and may lead to under- or overdose due to difficulty in distinguishing between doses, with potential obstruction from device parts like springs affecting visibility.

Innovation Solution

A fluid dispenser device with a large, unobstructed viewing window and colored indicator zones that change visibility after each dose, ensuring clear dose indication and preventing spring visibility, facilitating easy dose tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a viewing window is provided in existing dual-dose dispenser devices, then users can see the indicator, but the return spring obstructs the viewing window and reduces visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of indicatorVSAvoidobstruction by return spring

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The return spring is extracted from the viewing path by positioning it in a recess that is axially offset from the viewing window. The recess is located such that when the actuating member is in its retracted position, the spring is hidden from view through the window, eliminating the obstruction while maintaining the spring's functional role in returning the actuating member to its initial position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves the return spring to a different spatial dimension (axial depth) relative to the viewing window. By placing the spring in a recess that extends axially behind the viewing window plane, the spring occupies a different depth dimension, allowing the viewing window to remain clear while the spring performs its function in the obscured region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the viewing window is made large for better visibility, then elderly or visually impaired users can see the indicator, but device parts may still obstruct the view

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing window areaVSAvoidobstruction by device parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The return spring is extracted from the viewing path by positioning it in a recess that is axially offset from the viewing window. The recess is located such that when the actuating member is in its retracted position, the spring is hidden from view through the window, eliminating the obstruction while maintaining the spring's functional role in returning the actuating member to its initial position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves the return spring to a different spatial dimension (axial depth) relative to the viewing window. By placing the spring in a recess that extends axially behind the viewing window plane, the spring occupies a different depth dimension, allowing the viewing window to remain clear while the spring performs its function in the obscured region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If existing dose indicators are used, then dose distribution can be indicated, but the indicators are small and difficult to see for users with degraded vision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose distribution indicationVSAvoidindicator size

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator comprises a first indicator zone and a second indicator zone that are differently colored. The first zone is visible through the viewing window in the initial state, and the second zone becomes visible after the actuating member has been actuated. This color-based differentiation provides clear visual feedback about dose distribution and device state, making it easily distinguishable for users with various visual acuity levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 clear dose indication, prevents under- or overdose, and simplifies manufacturing and assembly, enhancing user experience and dose integrity verification.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring (70) being provided to return said actuating member (60) to its starting position after each actuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12594384B2Device for dispensing a fluid product

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 APTAR FRANCE SAS

AI summary

A fluid dispenser device having a reservoir containing at least two doses of fluid, a piston that is mounted to slide in the reservoir, a head that is provided with an orifice and a skirt, a finger-rest being provided on the head. The device has an actuating member axially movable inside the skirt to perform successive actuations, a spring provided to return the actuating member to its starting position after each actuation. The device has an indicator that includes a window and indicator mechanism, the window disposed in the skirt, under said finger rest, the spring co-operating with a shoulder of a sleeve that is fixed in the head, the shoulder disposed axially below the window, so that the spring is never visible in the window.