Geared Scroll-Wheel Fluid Dispenser for Precise One-Handed Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid dispensers, such as syringes, often cause intimidation and reluctance among patients, are cumbersome, and lack single-handed operation capability, leading to imprecise dosing and product waste due to fluid leakage or excess extrusion.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser with a housing, scroll wheel, first and second gears, and a plunger mechanism that allows for single-handed operation, precise dosing, and feedback stimuli, featuring a child-resistant design and ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional syringes are used for fluid dispensing, then precise dosing is achieved, but patient intimidation and reluctance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the syringe's dosing precision function through a completely different mechanism - a dial indicator system that visually displays dosage information without requiring the intimidating syringe structure. The dial indicator replicates the measurement function while eliminating the harmful visual and structural associations with traditional syringes.
2Ease of operation
If manually actuated devices are used, then fluid dispensing is achieved, but imprecise dosing occurs due to fluid momentum causing leakage or excess extrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The dial indicator provides real-time visual feedback to the user during the dispensing process, showing exactly how much fluid has been dispensed. This feedback loop allows the user to stop dispensing at the precise desired dosage, eliminating the momentum-induced overshoot problem inherent in manual syringe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical connection between plunger and fluid outlet with an indirect measurement system. Instead of relying on the user's mechanical control of plunger speed and force, the system uses a dial indicator to measure and display the plunger's position, allowing precise dosage control independent of fluid momentum.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fluid dispensers are designed for two-handed operation, then stability is improved, but accessibility for patients with hand pain or arthritis is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a large-diameter dial wheel for one-handed rotation, a dial indicator mechanism that requires no manual dexterity, and a plunger system that moves automatically or with minimal force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for ease of operation while maintaining overall functional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial indicator uses a circular dial face with graduated markings and a rotating indicator needle. This spherical/circular interface is naturally easier to manipulate with one hand than linear scales, as rotational motion requires less fine motor control and provides better tactile feedback for patients with hand conditions.
4Device complexity
If simple manual actuators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but dosing precision and user feedback are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dial indicator acts as an intermediary between the simple plunger mechanism and the user. It translates the plunger's linear motion into rotational motion of the indicator needle, providing precise visual measurement without requiring complex electronic sensors or digital displays. This mechanical intermediary achieves high measurement precision while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
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
Enables precise, single-handed fluid dispensing with user feedback, reducing stigma and waste by ensuring accurate dosing and preventing unintended fluid extrusion.
Implementation Method 1
the plunger is configured to compress the fluid, wherein the compression of fluid is configured to drive the fluid from a cartridge trip disposed atop the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser comprising: a housing; a cartridge enclosing a fluid; a scroll wheel comprising: a first portion disposed within an interior of the housing, a second portion partially protruding from the housing, and scroll wheel interior teeth; a first gear comprising first gear exterior teeth, the first gear disposed within the interior of the housing, the first gear exterior teeth in mechanical communication with the scroll wheel interior teeth; a plunger comprising plunger exterior teeth in mechanical communication with the first gear exterior teeth, the plunger in fluid communication with the cartridge, the plunger further comprising a plunger slot, wherein the scroll wheel traverses the plunger slot, wherein the plunger is configured to move within the housing and the cartridge, wherein the plunger is configured to compress the fluid, wherein the compression of fluid is configured to drive the fluid from a cartridge trip disposed atop the cartridge.