Fluid Dispensing Device Locking Ring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid product dispensing devices lack safety features to prevent overdose, are not secure for user operation, and are not designed to prevent consecutive dose administration, which poses risks in administering potent drugs, especially in palliative treatments.
Innovation Solution
A fluid product dispensing device with a locking mechanism that blocks actuation for a predeterminable time between doses, featuring a pusher and locking ring system actuated by a motor and electronic control module, ensuring secure and controlled dispensing, and allowing only authorized personnel to administer doses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple dispensing mechanism is used, then the device is easy to manufacture and operate, but it lacks safety features to prevent overdose and consecutive dose administration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is pre-configured in a locked position that prevents pusher actuation. Before each dose can be administered, the system must first be unlocked through a specific sequence (pushing the control button to rotate the gear wheel, which rotates the locking ring to the unlocked position). This preliminary locking action ensures that accidental or unauthorized consecutive dosing cannot occur, while the unlocking mechanism remains simple for authorized use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the pusher and the dispensing member. It mediates the actuation process by selectively blocking or permitting the pusher's axial movement based on its rotational position. This intermediary component adds safety functionality without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple moving parts in the direct actuation path.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent consecutive dosing, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both a locking element (with radial projections that block the pusher) and an unlocking element (rotated by the gear wheel when the control button is pressed). The gear wheel itself merges the control button actuation with the locking ring rotation. This merging reduces the need for separate locking mechanisms, sensors, and control circuits that would otherwise increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a mechanism that requires active engagement to lock and passive release, the system is inverted: the default state is locked, and unlocking requires active user input (pressing the control button). This inversion simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for continuous power supply, motors, or complex control logic to maintain the locked state - the spring-loaded locking ring naturally returns to the locked position after each unlocking cycle.
3Reliability
If the locking ring is spring-loaded to automatically return to locking position, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking ring is self-resetting: after being rotated to the unlocked position by the gear wheel, the spring automatically returns the locking ring to its locked position once the unlocking force is removed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for electronic controllers, sensors, or additional actuators to reset the locking state, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements for complex control systems while maintaining high reliability through the simple, robust spring mechanism.
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 secure and reliable administration of fluid products by preventing consecutive dose administration and overdose, providing a safe and controlled dispensing mechanism that is simple to manufacture and assemble, enhancing user safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring urging said locking ring towards its locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device comprising: - a dispenser (1) comprising a tank (2) containing fluid product and a dispensing member (3), such as a pump or a valve, mounted on said tank (2); - an inner body (10) having a hollow cylinder (11) receiving said dispenser (1); - a plunger (20) having a dispensing port (21), the axial movement of said plunger (20) from the rest position to the actuating position thereof actuating said dispensing member (3) so as to dispense a measured amount of fluid product through said dispensing port (21); - a motor (80); - an electronic control module (90); - a gear wheel (50) connected to said motor (80) and caused to rotate by said motor (80); and - a locking ring (40) mounted on said inner body (10) so as to be capable of rotating between a locking position and a releasing position, a spring (60) urging said locking ring (40) towards the locking position thereof, said locking ring (40) being moved from the locking position to the releasing position thereof by said gear wheel (50), said locking ring (40) co-operating in a locking position with said plunger (20) so as to prevent axial movement of the latter and co-operating in the releasing position with said plunger (20) so as to enable the latter to move axially towards the actuation position thereof.