Fluid Dispensing Roller with Tapered Tray for Viscous Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid applicators are messy and inefficient for applying uniform layers of viscous fluids like sunscreen, lacking control and suitability for high viscosity fluids.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing apparatus with a roller and tray system, where the tray has tapered inner surfaces and ports for controlled fluid delivery, and a deformable housing that applies pressure to force fluid through the roller for uniform application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional porous applicators are used, then less viscous fluids can be delivered, but viscous fluids like sunscreen cannot be effectively delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous roller made of foam material with controlled porosity to absorb and deliver viscous fluids. The porous structure allows the roller to pick up fluid from the tray and transfer it uniformly to the skin, effectively solving the problem of delivering viscous fluids that conventional porous applicators cannot handle.
2Ease of operation
If manual pouring or pumping is used, then fluid can be applied to skin, but the process is tedious and messy with poor uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to attach directly to the fluid container, with the roller automatically picking up fluid from the tray as it rotates. The system self-regulates fluid delivery through the roller's rotation and contact with the skin, eliminating the need for manual pouring or pumping while ensuring uniform application.
3Productivity
If rapid fluid application is desired, then uniform layers can be applied quickly, but mess and cleanup increase
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator uses a flexible foam roller that conforms to the skin surface, allowing rapid application of uniform fluid layers. The roller's flexible porous structure controls fluid release, preventing excessive mess while maintaining high application speed and uniformity.
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 apparatus provides a controlled, efficient, and mess-reduced method for applying viscous fluids, ensuring uniform coverage and minimizing leaks and drips.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient arms are made of elastomeric material and are resilient between the spaced walls
Implementation Method 2
Manual pressure on the housing reduces the volume of the interior for forcing fluid to the fluid applicator assembly
Implementation Method 3
The housing is formed from a flexibly resilient material for transferring fluid from the housing via the opening by varying pressure on the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing a fluid from a source of fluid comprises a roller and a tray member. The tray member comprises a pair of spaced walls having a contiguous tapered inner surface for defining an arcuate recess in an outer surface of the tray member, the outer surface tapering to an outer edge of each wall. Roller mounting means includes a pair of resilient spaced arms, each one of the arms spanning between and interconnecting the ends of the spaced wall. The tray member defines a pair ports spaced along a central longitudinal axis of the tray member for providing fluid communication between the source of fluid and the tray member. The roller is rotatably mounted to the spaced arms for receiving fluid from the tray member and applying the fluid onto a surface.