Fluid Mixing Dispenser with Trigger-Activated Segmented Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for hazardous material decontamination are not intuitive or reliable enough for quick and efficient use, especially in chaotic conditions, and lack the ability to precisely mix and dispense multiple materials simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A device that combines three separate materials on demand and allows for precise mixing and dispensing through a nozzle with selectable spray patterns, featuring a trigger-activated mixing manifold and a tamper-evident pull safety mechanism for one-time use or reconditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials are combined in a single dispenser, then the versatility and effectiveness of decontamination is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into separate material reservoirs (first material, second material, third material) that are independently contained but can be simultaneously activated. This segmentation allows multiple materials to be stored separately without cross-contamination while enabling complex decontamination formulations through coordinated dispensing of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single dispenser device is designed to perform multiple functions by combining different material delivery systems (aerosol, liquid, foam) and multiple material types (decontamination agents, carriers, surfactants) into one integrated unit, replacing the need for multiple separate dispensing devices.
2Reliability
If precise mixing of multiple materials is achieved, then the quality and reliability of the decontamination spray is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each material reservoir is pre-configured with its specific material and delivery mechanism (aerosol can, liquid container, foam generator). The proportions and types of materials are determined in advance during device assembly, eliminating the need for complex real-time mixing calculations or user measurements during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple material delivery systems and mixing mechanisms into a single integrated dispenser head that simultaneously releases all materials in the correct proportions. This merging of functions into one coordinated system ensures consistent mixture quality while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple separate devices.
3Productivity
If quick response decontamination is provided, then the productivity and efficiency of hazard response is improved, but the ease of operation in chaotic conditions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is designed to automatically mix and dispense the correct proportions of multiple materials when activated by a simple trigger mechanism. The system self-regulates the mixing process and material delivery rates, eliminating the need for the operator to manually measure, mix, or coordinate multiple components during high-stress decontamination situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser uses a trigger-activated periodic action system where the operator simply pulls the trigger to initiate material release. The internal mechanisms automatically control the timing and duration of material dispensing, providing consistent, repeatable action that is easy to operate even in chaotic conditions while maintaining rapid response capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mixing and dispensing device comprising an outer casing including a body portion, a handle portion, and a nozzle portion with a nozzle. A mixing manifold disposed in the body portion including a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the nozzle. Canisters within the body portion each including a valve connected to the mixing manifold movable between preventing and providing fluid communication between the canister and the mixing chamber. A trigger disposed within the handle portion and configured to move from a trigger passive to dispensing position causing the valves of each canister to move from a valve passive position to the valve dispensing position. A pull safety including a central cover and a tail tip removably disposed on the outer casing such that the central cover occludes the nozzle and the tail tip prevents movement of the trigger from the trigger passive position to the trigger dispensing position.