Fluid Dispenser Shield for Redirecting Misdirected Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers often experience misdirected dispensing of fluids, such as gel-like solutions, which can result in unintended splashing or spillage due to the high velocity and random direction of fluid discharge from the nozzle orifice, particularly when the fluid dries and restricts the orifice, leading to inefficient and messy dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A shield with a mount structure and a fluid-deflecting structure, integrally formed from polymeric material, is designed to be attached to the actuator of a fluid dispenser, featuring a frustoconical portion that defines the discharge opening of an interior flow passage. This configuration ensures the discharge orifice is positioned within the shield's flow passage, redirecting misdirected fluid discharge in a controlled manner, typically downward, to prevent spills and ensure fluid reaches the user's hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the nozzle orifice becomes restricted due to fluid drying, then the fluid discharge velocity increases, but the fluid discharge direction becomes random and misdirected
Solution Approach 1:
The shield acts as an intermediary component between the nozzle and the surrounding environment. It intercepts misdirected fluid discharge and redirects it downward through its interior flow passage, mediating the harmful effect of restricted orifice discharge while maintaining the high velocity flow characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The shield extracts and separates the fluid redirection function from the nozzle assembly. By taking out the fluid direction control function into a separate component, the system can maintain high discharge velocity while independently managing fluid direction through the shield's flow passage
2Productivity
If the fluid discharge velocity is high, then the dispensing efficiency improves, but the fluid splashing and spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield converts the harmful misdirected fluid discharge into a beneficial controlled flow. By capturing fluid that would otherwise splash or spill and redirecting it through the flow passage, the system transforms waste and mess into efficient, controlled dispensing onto the user's hands
Solution Approach 2:
The shield serves as a mediator that intercepts high-velocity fluid discharge and gently redirects it downward. This intermediary structure allows the system to maintain high dispensing efficiency while eliminating the harmful splashing and spillage effects
3Ease of manufacture
If a shield structure is added to redirect fluid discharge, then the fluid direction control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, defines the flow passage, redirects misdirected fluid, and contains the discharge opening. This merging of functions reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, fluid redirection, and discharge control. This universal design approach allows a single component to address multiple problems, minimizing the overall device complexity while achieving improved fluid direction control
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 shield effectively redirects misdirected fluid discharge, ensuring that the fluid is dispensed onto the user's hands rather than other surfaces, enhancing the usability and cleanliness of fluid dispensing systems by containing the fluid flow within a controlled angle, thereby reducing waste and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid-deflecting structure includes a frustoconical portion that defines the discharge opening of the interior flow passage... redirecting misdirected fluid discharge in a controlled manner, typically downward
Data Source
AI summary
A shield for a fluid dispenser includes a mount structure and a fluid-deflecting structure defining an interior flow passage. The mount structure is configured to be attached to an actuator of a fluid dispenser. Fluid dispensers and fluid dispenser systems are also disclosed.