Fluid Dispenser Assembly With Protected Discrete Flow Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held fluid-dispensing utensils for cleaning lack efficiency in manufacturing and user control over fluid flow, with the working head and flow control mechanism often being vulnerable to damage and difficult to assemble.

Innovation Solution

A modular fluid-dispensing apparatus with a hollow handle, intermediate member, and flow control member, where the intermediate member is a separate unit that can be customized in shape and size, allowing for efficient assembly and user-controlled fluid flow through a valve system with discrete aperture options, protecting the flow control mechanism when the working head is removed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the working head and flow control mechanism are integrated into a single unit, then assembly is simpler, but the flow control mechanism becomes vulnerable to damage when the working head is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidprotection of flow control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modules: the hollow handle, the intermediate member containing the flow control mechanism, and the working head. This segmentation allows the flow control mechanism to be protected within the intermediate member while the working head can be detached without exposing the flow control mechanism to damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate member is received within the hollow handle, and the working head is received within the intermediate member. This nested arrangement protects the flow control mechanism in the intermediate member while allowing the working head to be attached and detached externally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If the working head is made as a detachable unit, then manufacturing efficiency improves through separate production, but the flow control mechanism becomes accessible and vulnerable to dislodgement or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidprotection of flow control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modules: the hollow handle, the intermediate member containing the flow control mechanism, and the working head. This segmentation allows the flow control mechanism to be protected within the intermediate member while the working head can be detached without exposing the flow control mechanism to damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate member acts as an intermediary between the hollow handle and the working head. It contains and protects the flow control mechanism while allowing the working head to be attached and detached. This intermediary structure prevents direct access to the flow control mechanism when the working head is removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the outlet is located at the distal end of the handle, then fluid dispensing is more efficient, but the flow control mechanism requires additional protection when the working head is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid dispensing efficiencyVSAvoidprotection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate member is received within the hollow handle, and the working head is received within the intermediate member. This nested arrangement protects the flow control mechanism in the intermediate member while allowing the working head to be attached and detached externally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate member acts as an intermediary between the hollow handle and the working head. It contains and protects the flow control mechanism while allowing the working head to be attached and detached. This intermediary structure prevents direct access to the flow control mechanism when the working head is removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9526326B2Fluid-dispensing apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 LIBMAN BRANDS UK LTD

AI summary

A fluid-dispensing apparatus, comprises a hollow handle, a working head from which fluid may be dispensed and an intermediate member, the hollow handle providing an enclosure defining a fluid reservoir therein, the handle having a distal end portion and having an outlet located in the distal end portion, the working head having a dispensing aperture for dispensing of fluid, the intermediate member being configured to receive the distal end portion of the handle therein, the working head being attachable to the intermediate member, the intermediate member has an opening which is in alignment with the outlet of the handle and with the dispensing aperture of the working head when assembled. The apparatus comprises a flow control member, which is received within the intermediate member and is movable to align apertures of different sizes with the handle outlet, providing discrete flow control configurations.