Fluid-Dispensing Handle Assembly With Protected Sliding Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held fluid-dispensing utensils for cleaning lack efficiency in manufacturing and fluid control, with the working head and flow control mechanism often being integrated, making them less versatile and prone to damage when the head is detached.
Innovation Solution
A modular design featuring a hollow handle with a detachable intermediate member and a flow control member that can be assembled separately, allowing for different shapes and sizes of intermediate members and enabling selective fluid flow control through movable apertures and detent mechanisms, protecting the flow control mechanism when the working head is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the working head and flow control mechanism are integrated in existing utensils, then the structure is simpler, but the manufacturing efficiency is reduced and the flow control mechanism is prone to damage when the head is detached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid-dispensing apparatus into three main segments: a handle, an intermediate member, and a working head. The intermediate member is further separated from the handle, creating a modular structure that allows independent manufacturing and assembly of each component. This segmentation improves manufacturing efficiency while maintaining structural integrity through designed connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism is extracted from the working head and integrated into the intermediate member. This extraction protects the flow control mechanism from damage during head detachment while maintaining its functionality. The intermediate member serves as a protective housing that shields the flow control mechanism when the working head is removed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the working head is made detachable, then versatility is improved, but the flow control mechanism becomes exposed and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate member acts as an intermediary component between the handle and the working head. It provides a protective interface that shields the flow control mechanism from external damage during head detachment while enabling the working head to be easily attached and removed. The intermediate member's dispensing aperture aligns with the handle outlet and working head aperture to maintain fluid flow functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a flow control member is added, then fluid control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control mechanism is merged with the intermediate member, combining fluid control functionality with the structural component that connects the handle and working head. This integration adds flow control capability while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing the existing intermediate member structure rather than adding a separate control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism incorporates movable components that can dynamically adjust fluid flow. The intermediate member includes a dispensing aperture that can be selectively opened or closed to control fluid dispensing, providing dynamic flow control capability that adapts to different operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-dispensing apparatus comprising a hollow handle, a working head from which fluid may be dispensed and an intermediate member, the hollow handle providing an enclosure defining a fluid reservoir therein, the handle having a distal end portion and having an outlet located in the distal end portion, the working head having a dispensing aperture for dispensing of fluid, the intermediate member being configured to receive the distal end portion of the handle therein, the working head being attachable to the intermediate member, the intermediate member having a dispensing aperture, the dispensing aperture of the intermediate member being in alignment with the outlet of the handle and with the dispensing aperture of the working head when assembled wherein the apparatus further comprises a flow control member for controlling the flow of fluid from the handle, the flow control member being movable with respect to the handle outlet for selectively controlling the flow, the flow control member being received substantially within the intermediate member and the flow control member being movable linearly, via a sliding action, distally and proximally relative to the handle in order to control the flow of fluid from the handle.