Gradient Foam Fluid Delivery System Passive Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery systems face issues with inconsistency, energy dependency, and limited versatility, particularly in delivering fluids passively and independently of gravity, while also being open to the environment and capable of tailoring fluid delivery to specific surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system utilizing gradient foam with varying degrees of compression, made from materials like polyurethane, melamine, or PVC, which allows for passive and consistent fluid dispensing independent of gravity, with an applicator surface area open to the environment, and a holder that can encompass multiple fluid reservoirs for varied fluid types and applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pump-based systems are used to deliver fluid, then consistent fluid delivery is achieved, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foam applicator system is designed to be self-regulating through its capillary structure. The foam matrix passively controls fluid flow based on capillary pressure gradients, eliminating the need for external pumps or energy input while maintaining consistent fluid delivery to the applicator surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical pump systems with a passive capillary-based foam structure. The foam's porous matrix and capillary channels provide mechanical fluid transport without requiring external mechanical devices, thereby reducing energy consumption and device complexity while maintaining delivery consistency.
2Reliability
If pump-based systems are used to deliver fluid, then consistent fluid delivery is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foam applicator system is designed to be self-regulating through its capillary structure. The foam matrix passively controls fluid flow based on capillary pressure gradients, eliminating the need for external pumps or energy input while maintaining consistent fluid delivery to the applicator surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical pump systems with a passive capillary-based foam structure. The foam's porous matrix and capillary channels provide mechanical fluid transport without requiring external mechanical devices, thereby reducing energy consumption and device complexity while maintaining delivery consistency.
3Device complexity
If mechanical brush or pad systems are used to deliver fluid, then simple structure is maintained, but fluid delivery consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a foam matrix with controlled pore structures that provide capillary action for fluid transport. The porous foam material delivers fluid consistently through capillary pressure gradients, improving upon simple mechanical brushes while maintaining structural simplicity. The foam's inherent porosity enables passive, consistent fluid delivery without complex mechanisms.
4Use of energy by moving object
If capillary-based systems are used to deliver fluid, then passive operation is achieved, but fluid delivery consistency deteriorates due to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a foam matrix with controlled pore structures that provide capillary action for fluid transport. The porous foam material delivers fluid consistently through capillary pressure gradients, improving upon simple mechanical brushes while maintaining structural simplicity. The foam's inherent porosity enables passive, consistent fluid delivery without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the compressibility of foam to dynamically adjust pore size and capillary pressure. By varying the compression level of the foam, the system can regulate fluid flow to prevent clogging while maintaining consistent delivery. The compressible foam structure adapts to different fluid viscosities and flow rates, ensuring reliable operation.
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
The system provides a cost-effective, consistent, and tailored fluid delivery solution that is independent of gravity and orientation, capable of handling various fluid types and surfaces, ensuring precise and continuous application without the need for active mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The foam is filled with a fluid which is passively and consistently dispensed independent of gravity when said applicator surface area contacts a surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid delivery system includes an applicator (30) having at least one holder (34) encompassing at least one gradient foam (20) having a fluid and an applicator surface area (32) open to the environment such that the fluid is passively dispensed onto a surface independent of gravity through said applicator surface area (32). A cap (38) covers the gradient foam (20) to prevent the foam drying out. A fluid reservoir (36) may be included in the applicator (30) to replenish fluid. Surfaces that the fluid can be applied to can be hard or soft, such as wood or skin and used for applications in the home, health/medicine, beauty, feminine, baby, personal, fabric, pet and food areas.