Fluid Dispenser Tip Assembly with Offset Orifices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for mixing two or more fluids, such as fibrinogen and thrombin, face challenges in achieving optimal mixing and spray patterns, particularly when one fluid is more voluminous and prone to atomization, while the other may drip or fail to atomize, leading to clogging and inefficient delivery.
Innovation Solution
A tip assembly with offset orifices and a fluid delivery system that includes a connecting element and a tip element with tangentially related channels to facilitate rotational acceleration and deceleration of fluids, ensuring efficient mixing and delivery of two separately maintained fluids, like platelet-rich plasma and thrombin, without clogging, by directing the lesser volume fluid into the path of the larger volume fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dispensing systems are used to deliver two fluids simultaneously, then both fluids can be delivered to the treatment site, but the fluids do not mix efficiently and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the second orifice downstream of the first orifice in the flow direction, creating a spatial arrangement where the lesser volume fluid is delivered into the path of the larger volume fluid. This dimensional positioning ensures continuous flow and prevents clogging by maintaining fluid momentum and mixing zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mixing zone between the two fluid delivery paths where the fluids interact before reaching the treatment site. This intermediary region allows efficient mixing of the two fluids while preventing direct contact that could cause clogging in the delivery system.
2Productivity
If spray-type applicator tips are used with high volumetric ratios, then atomization of the larger volume fluid is achieved, but the lesser volume fluid fails to atomize and may clog the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different flow characteristics to different fluids by positioning their orifices at different locations along the flow path. The first orifice delivers the larger volume fluid with atomization capability, while the second orifice delivers the lesser volume fluid downstream where it can mix without clogging the atomization process.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging the orifices in a downstream direction rather than side-by-side, the patent creates a sequential delivery system that prevents the lesser volume fluid from interfering with the atomization of the larger volume fluid, eliminating clogging while maintaining productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the two orifices are positioned at the same plane, then simple manufacturing is achieved, but optimal mixing of fluids cannot be accomplished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the second orifice from the same plane as the first orifice to a downstream position along the flow direction. This dimensional change creates a natural mixing zone where fluids combine efficiently while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning orifices side-by-side for simple manufacturing, the patent inverts the approach by positioning them sequentially in the flow direction, which unexpectedly achieves both manufacturing feasibility and optimal mixing through the created flow interaction zone.
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 system effectively mixes and delivers the fluids at a treatment site, preventing clogging and ensuring thorough mixing, even at high volumetric ratios, by using offset orifices to direct the lesser volume fluid into the larger volume fluid's flow, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of fluid application.
Implementation Method 1
tangentially related channels to facilitate rotational acceleration and deceleration of fluids
Data Source
AI summary
Dispensing assemblies, methods, and kits of parts for dispensing two separate fluids to an treatment site, including entraining non-atomized flow of a first fluid in an atomized flow of a second fluid, delivering a first fluid upstream from a second fluid, delivering a first fluid and a second fluid with re-shapeable malleable tubes, delivering first and second fluids with releasable connectors maintained by a handle assembly, and kits of parts with angularly offset pockets.