Fluid Dispensing Device Non-Resettable Time Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid product dispensing devices lack a mechanism to prevent the use of expired or deteriorated products, which can occur due to sensitivity or instability of the products over time, leading to suboptimal or unhealthy use.
Innovation Solution
A fluid product dispensing device equipped with non-resettable time indicator means that provides a visual indication of the passage of time since initialization, ensuring the user is aware of the product's expiry date, with automatic initialization during the first actuation of the device, and optional first-use safety features to prevent premature initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no time indicator means are provided in the dispensing device, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot determine whether the fluid product has expired or deteriorated, leading to potential unsafe use
Solution Approach 1:
The display member utilizes color changes to provide visual indication of time passage. The indicator transitions through different colors or shades to show elapsed time, with a final color change indicating product expiry. This allows users to easily determine product freshness without complex electronic components, resolving the contradiction between safety and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the trigger member can be reset, then the time indicator can be reused after product replacement, but the indicator may be accidentally reset or forgotten, leading to loss of time tracking information
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger member is designed to be actuated only once during the first use of the product. This preliminary action initializes the time indicator, and subsequent uses automatically continue from that point without requiring user intervention. The system performs the initialization action automatically on first use, eliminating the risk of forgotten or accidental resets while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If the display member provides continuous time information, then users can always know product freshness, but the device cannot distinguish between first use and subsequent uses, potentially allowing reuse after product replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the usage lifecycle into distinct phases: first use (initialization), subsequent uses (time tracking), and product replacement (reset). The trigger member is positioned to be actuated only during first use, creating a clear segmentation point. When product replacement occurs, the entire indicator assembly can be replaced with a new one, maintaining reliability while enabling product replacement versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product (1; 1'), comprising actuating means (3; 3') that can be actuated for dispensing a fluid product and time indicating means (6, 6') capable of giving a visual indication representative of an elapse of time since an initialization.