Fluid Dispenser Spring Actuation with Radial Blocking Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispenser devices require high axial force for actuation, making them difficult to use for elderly or mobility-impaired individuals, and pose risks of injury and incomplete dose dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser device with a resilient element and movable blocking means that allows axial movement independent of user force, ensuring consistent dispensing and easy assembly, using a spring to facilitate dose delivery and prevent accidental actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high axial force is required for actuation to overcome energy accumulation means, then the dose is dispensed in full, but the device becomes difficult to use for elderly or mobility-impaired individuals and may cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional actuation mechanism by replacing direct axial compression with a rotational triggering mechanism. Instead of requiring the user to apply high axial force directly to compress the spring, the user rotates a trigger that releases the pre-compressed spring, which then propels the plunger to dispense the full dose. This inversion transforms a difficult linear compression task into an easy rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed during device assembly or prior to use, storing the necessary energy for dose dispensing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for the user to generate the compression force during actuation. The pre-loaded spring ensures that when triggered, it can reliably propel the plunger to deliver the complete dose without requiring the user to exert high force at the moment of use.
2Reliability
If high axial force is applied during actuation, then the dose is dispensed completely, but accurate positioning of the device end in the nostril becomes difficult and may cause abutment with the end wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the actuation direction from axial (along the device length) to rotational (around the device axis). This inversion allows the triggering mechanism to operate independently of the device's axial positioning. The rotational trigger can be actuated accurately regardless of how precisely the device tip is positioned in the nostril, eliminating the coupling between actuation force and positioning accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If a resilient element is used to enable easy actuation, then the device becomes easier to use, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-compressed spring serves itself by automatically converting its stored elastic energy into kinetic energy to propel the plunger when triggered. The spring's own stored energy performs the work of dose dispensing without requiring additional power sources, complex control systems, or multiple active components. This self-service approach maintains simplicity while enabling easy actuation.
4Reliability
If blocking means are made movable to prevent accidental actuation, then safety is improved, but the device becomes more complex to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the blocking mechanism from a complex multi-component safety system to a simple rotational latch. Instead of using multiple blocking elements that require precise assembly, a single movable blocking element engages with a corresponding feature on the trigger. This inverted simplification maintains safety functionality while dramatically reducing manufacturing and assembly complexity.
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 device ensures easy, safe, and complete dose dispensing, allowing prefilled reservoirs, reducing assembly requirements, and minimizing material contact to prevent contamination.
Implementation Method 1
co-operating with a resilient element, such as a spring, that urges said body towards its actuated position
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (10) containing one or more doses of fluid; a resilient element (20), such as a spring, for urging said reservoir (10) to move axially between a rest position and at least one actuated position; and blocking means (30; 51, 53, 55) for preventing said reservoir (10) from moving axially; said blocking means being movable manually in a direction that is different from the direction of said axial movement of the reservoir (10) so as to allow said reservoir (10) to move axially; said blocking means comprising a plate (30) provided with an opening (31) comprising a first opening portion (31a) of smaller size, and a second opening portion (31b) of larger size, said first and second opening portions (31a, 31b) being interconnected, said plate (30) being movable radially between a blocking position in which said first opening portion (31a) co-operates with said reservoir (10) so as to block it axially, and a non-blocking position in which said second opening portion (31b) co-operates with said reservoir (10) so as to allow said reservoir (10) to move axially under the effect of said resilient element (20).