Fluid Dispenser Piston Valve Integration for Accurate Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal spray dispensers face challenges in accurately metering and delivering a consistent dose of fluid due to issues with fluid overfilling and the need for complex valve mechanisms, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in drug administration.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser design featuring a nozzle with a non-return valve mechanism and a dosing chamber that allows for precise metering and dispensing of a controlled volume of fluid, utilizing a piston and spring system to ensure accurate dosing and prevent fluid overfilling, with a one-way valve that opens under pressure to facilitate dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a one-way valve mechanism is used to prevent fluid backflow, then fluid metering accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the one-way valve function with the piston assembly by integrating the valve seat and valve element directly into the piston structure. The valve element is positioned within the piston body and moves with the piston, eliminating the need for separate valve mechanisms while maintaining fluid metering accuracy through the one-way valve action.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston serves multiple functions: it acts as both the pumping element for fluid delivery and as the valve mechanism carrier. The piston head incorporates the one-way valve components, allowing a single component to perform both fluid displacement and flow direction control, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dosing precision.
2Measurement precision
If a metering chamber is used to ensure precise dosing, then dosing consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the metering chamber function with the piston cavity structure. The chamber is formed as an integral part of the piston body, with the dosing volume defined by the piston chamber geometry rather than requiring a separate metering chamber assembly. This integration maintains precise dosing consistency while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering chamber is nested within the piston assembly, with the chamber cavity formed inside the piston body. The chamber inlet and outlet are positioned within the piston structure, allowing the metering function to be contained within the moving piston component rather than requiring additional external chambers or reservoirs.
3Manufacturing precision
If a non-return valve is integrated into the piston, then fluid control accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve components (valve seat, valve element, and spring) are integrated directly into the piston manufacturing process. The valve seat is formed as part of the piston cavity, and the valve element is positioned within the piston body during assembly, allowing the entire piston assembly to be manufactured as a single integrated component or pre-assembled unit, maintaining fluid control accuracy while simplifying manufacturing.
4Measurement precision
If a spring-loaded valve system is used to control fluid flow, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded valve mechanism is integrated into the piston assembly, with the spring positioned within the piston body to bias the valve element against the valve seat. The spring mechanism shares space with the metering chamber and piston movement space, eliminating the need for separate valve actuation mechanisms while maintaining dosing precision through controlled valve opening and closing during the piston stroke.
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 ensures accurate and consistent delivery of a metered dose with each actuation, preventing overfilling and improving the efficiency of fluid dispensing, while maintaining a sealed system to prevent contamination and maintain the integrity of the medicament.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for biasing the nozzle away from, and piston member out of, the main housing
Implementation Method 2
the increasing pressure produced in the fluid causes the one-way valve to temporarily open
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A fluid dispenser (10) comprises a dosing chamber (20), a piston member (14), a fluid outlet (52) through which fluid will be dispensed, a fluid conduit (34, 46) for conveying fluid from the dosing chamber towards the fluid outlet, and a seal (50, 54) for sealing the fluid outlet; wherein: the piston member has a first end (22) that acts as a piston within the dosing chamber for: a) pumping fluid from the dosing chamber through the fluid conduit towards the fluid outlet when moved in a first manner relative to the dosing chamber, and b) filling the dosing chamber with fluid from a supply of fluid when moved in a second manner relative to the dosing chamber; the piston member has a second end (42) positioned outside the dosing chamber and forming at least a part of the seal; the seal is movable from a normal closed state, in which the seal prevents fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the fluid outlet, to an open state, in which the seal provides for fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the fluid outlet; and the dispenser is adapted such that movement of the first end of the piston member in the first manner causes fluid in the fluid conduit to be pressurised to an extent sufficient to move the seal from its normal closed state to its open state thereby enabling fluid to be pumped through the fluid outlet. A one-way valve (31) may be carried by the first end of the piston member for controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the dosing chamber. The fluid conduit may comprise a section (34) which extends through the piston member, e.g. a lumen thereof.