Fluid Dispensing Device Segmentation for Recycling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid dispensing devices are difficult to recycle due to their multi-part construction from different materials.
Innovation Solution
A hand-operated fluid dispensing device designed with a cup-shaped body, piston, and hollow stem, where the entire device (except for the metal spring) is made of easily separable plastic materials, allowing for efficient recycling by uncoupling the dispensing button from the stem and extracting the spring for separate recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dispensing devices are made from multiple parts and different materials, then the device functionality and performance are improved, but the recyclability and ease of disposal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct separable components: a reusable dispensing mechanism (body, piston, valve elements) and a replaceable container (cup-shaped body with fluid substance). This segmentation allows the complex multi-material device to be broken down into manageable parts for recycling, with the container being easily removable and recyclable separately from the mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The container holding the fluid substance is designed to be easily discarded and recovered through simple separation processes. The cup-shaped body can be removed from the dispensing mechanism and recycled independently, while the mechanical components can be recovered and recycled separately, improving overall recyclability despite the multi-part construction.
2Reliability
If the device is designed with multiple components for functionality, then the dispensing performance is improved, but the complexity of recycling and disposal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device is segmented into a reusable mechanical assembly and a separate container, simplifying the recycling process despite the multiple functional components. The container can be easily separated and recycled independently, reducing the complexity of handling the entire multi-component system for recycling purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is extracted as a separate recyclable component from the mechanical dispensing mechanism. This extraction allows the container to be processed and recycled independently, reducing the complexity of recycling the entire device by focusing on the most easily separable and recyclable portion.
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
Facilitates effective recycling of the dispensing device by allowing easy separation of components, reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Implementation Method 1
The spring 5 is arranged in such a way as to return the rod 4 (and therefore the piston 3) to the upper stroke limit position
Implementation Method 2
the upward sliding of the rod 4 with respect to the piston 3 (operated by the spring 5) re-closes the passage 10, so as to create a vacuum in the compression chamber which sucks in the fluid (through the supply passage 7)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 3A~5
AI summary
A device (1) for dispensing a fluid substance, comprising a cup-shaped body (2) inside which a piston (3) can move between a lower stroke limit position and an upper stroke limit position, sliding in a sealed manner over the cup-shaped body (2), operated by means of a hollow stem (4), the cup-shaped body (2) featuring a supply passage (7) to a compression chamber (9) which is at least partially defined by the cup-shaped body (2) and the piston (3), the supply passage (7) being coupled with a first valve element (6), and a second valve element (8) coupled to a discharge passage (10) from the said compression chamber (9), the hollow stem (4) being fastened to a dispensing button (11) which comes into contact with a first end of a spring (5), the spring (5) being arranged so as to bring the said piston (3) back to the upper stroke limit position, characterised by the fact that the button (11) is fastened to the stem (4) by means of a pin (12) which may be removed so that when the button (11) is uncoupled from the stem (4), the spring (5) can be extracted from the device (1).