Fluid Dispensing Device with Locking Membrane for Safe Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing devices with collapsible chambers face issues during transport and handling due to potential deformation of the deformable membrane, leading to unintended dispensing, and storage challenges due to the hemispherical shape, which can cause permanent deformation and loss of elasticity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a deformable membrane that includes locking means to maintain the membrane in a fixed squeezed position, using a snap-fitting mechanism and cam release system, allowing for safe handling and storage, and featuring a collapsible chamber with suction and dispensing ducts to regulate fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the deformable membrane is made hemispherical for collapsible chamber function, then the dispensing function is improved, but the device occupies excessive space and becomes difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable membrane transitions from a static hemispherical shape to a dynamic structure that can be compressed and locked in a flattened state. The locking means enable the membrane to maintain a compact configuration during storage while allowing deformation during operation, thus reducing device volume without compromising dispensing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into functional segments: the collapsible chamber with deformable membrane for dispensing, the locking means for position maintenance, and the supporting structure for mechanical support. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently, enabling compact storage while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If the deformable membrane is freely deformable for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but inadvertent impacts cause unintended dispensing during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are positioned to counteract inadvertent deformation forces during transport. When the deformable membrane is compressed to a flattened state, the locking means engage to prevent further deformation or unintended dispensing, thereby counteracting the harmful effect of accidental impacts while maintaining ease of operation when properly activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means act as an intermediary mechanism between the deformable membrane and the external environment. They mediate the interaction by allowing controlled deformation during operation while blocking unintended deformation during transport, thus separating the dispensing function from accidental activation.
3Productivity
If several assemblies are stacked for storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but weight deforms the membrane permanently causing loss of elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable membrane is designed to dynamically transition between a compact flattened state during storage and a functional deformed state during operation. The locking means maintain this flattened configuration, allowing multiple assemblies to be stacked without the membrane weight causing permanent deformation, thus preserving elasticity and enabling efficient storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means are engaged before stacking to maintain the deformable membrane in a flattened, compact configuration. This preliminary action prevents the membrane from being deformed by stacking weight, ensuring that when the device is later activated, the membrane retains its full elasticity and functional properties.
4Reliability
If the deformable membrane is locked in a fixed position for safe storage, then storage safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to locking and release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the deformation state of the membrane. The cam release mechanism allows the locking means to self-lock when the membrane is compressed and self-release when properly activated, reducing the need for complex control systems while maintaining safe storage and reliable operation.
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 solution ensures safer transport and handling of the device, prevents unintended dispensing, and facilitates easier storage by maintaining the membrane's elasticity, allowing for efficient and controlled fluid dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable membrane is typically constituted by an elastically yielding and therefore deformable hemispherical element, which is suited to be deformed so that, starting from its initial hemispherical shape, it finally reaches a squeezed configuration, and then returns to its initial hemispherical shape after being released.
Implementation Method 2
the release means comprise cam release means configured in such a way that moving the deformable membrane causes the locking means to be released
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a device (1) for dispensing a fluid (L), suited to be coupled with a container (C) holding said fluid (L). The device (1) comprises a collapsible chamber (6) suited to draw, contain and dispense an amount of said fluid (L) and at least partially delimited by a deformable membrane (10) suited to be squeezed to dispense at least one portion of said amount from the collapsible chamber (6). The device (1) comprises locking means (50, 52, 56) suited to maintain the deformable membrane (10) in a fixed squeezed position and release means (80, 84a, 84b, 86a, 86b) suited to release the deformable membrane (10) from the fixed squeezed position.