Fluid Dispensing Device Pre-Load Mechanism for Viscous Medicament
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior medicament dispensers fail to produce a well-defined spray when the actuator is moved slowly or unpredictably, particularly with viscous medicament formulations, leading to unreliable dispensing characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing device with a pre-load mechanism that requires a pre-determined force to actuate the compression pump, ensuring consistent and efficient dispensing of viscous medicament formulations by preventing actuation until a sufficient force is applied, using a finger-operable means to move the container towards the nozzle and a pre-load means to prevent actuation until the required force is met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression pump is actuated by finger-operable means to dispense viscous medicament formulation, then the medicament can be delivered through the nozzle, but if the actuation is slow or unpredictable, the spray characteristics become unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-load means (detent or step feature) is engaged in advance to store potential energy and pre-position the container. When the user actuates the device, the container is rapidly propelled forward by the pre-loaded mechanism, ensuring consistent spray delivery regardless of the user's actuation speed. This preliminary preparation of the mechanical system guarantees reliable spray characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-load means creates a mechanical barrier that prevents premature or partial actuation of the compression pump. The detent or step feature must be overcome by sufficient force before the container can move, thereby preventing slow or unpredictable actuation that would result in poor spray characteristics. This preliminary resistance ensures that only adequate actuation force produces reliable spray delivery.
2Reliability
If a pre-load means is introduced to ensure proper actuation force, then reliable spray delivery is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-load means is implemented as a discrete, modular feature (detent or step) that is segmented from the rest of the device structure. This segmentation allows the complexity to be localized to a specific component rather than distributed throughout the entire mechanism, making the device easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-load means is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical feature that can be integrated into the housing or container structure. Rather than using complex mechanical systems, the patent employs straightforward geometric features (detents or steps) that are cost-effective to manufacture and do not require precision machining, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If detents or steps are used as pre-load means, then actuation control is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-load means is designed with geometric parameters (depth of detent, height of step) that can be easily adjusted during the molding or manufacturing process. By changing these parameters, the force threshold for actuation can be tuned without requiring complex precision machining. This allows manufacturers to control the actuation force by simply modifying mold cavity dimensions or material properties, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent or step feature is integrated into the housing or container as a homogeneous structure made from the same material and manufacturing process. This homogeneity ensures consistent mechanical properties throughout the pre-load means, reducing variability in actuation force and eliminating the need for additional precision machining or assembly steps that would increase manufacturing 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
Ensures reliable and efficient dispensing of viscous medicament formulations by guaranteeing a well-defined spray, improving user experience and consistency in medication delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-load means is provided to prevent actuation of the compression pump until a pre-determined force is applied to the finger operable means
Implementation Method 2
a compression pump having a suction inlet located within the container and a discharge tube extending along the longitudinal axis for transferring fluid from the pump to the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
compression pump having a suction inlet located within the container and a discharge tube extending along the longitudinal axis for transferring fluid from the pump to the nozzle
Implementation Method 4
finger operable means moveable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fluid discharge device to apply a force to the container to move the container along the longitudinal axis towards the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid having a viscosity of from 10 to 2000 mPas at 25° C., the dispensing device having at least one finger-operable lever pivotably moveable into the housing transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fluid discharge device, to apply a force to an actuating member connected to the neck of a container, the device having a pre-load to prevent pivoting until a pre-determined force is applied, wherein the actuating member and the lever have surfaces which slidingly interact, wherein the pre-load is formed by one of the surfaces of the actuating member or the lever having a dual-gradient profile.