Systems and methods for dispensing solid and liquid materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for dispensing liquid or solid materials with buffing materials are limited in their ability to efficiently combine and reapply these materials without leakage or the need for frequent reapplication, particularly when using solid soaps, and lack versatility in accommodating both liquid and solid forms.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held applicator device with a housing that contains either a liquid or solid material and features a releasable buffing element, allowing for interchangeable attachments and self-sealing valves to ensure efficient dispensing of materials, including a mechanism for solid materials that prevents them from falling out during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a reservoir is integrated with the abrasive material to eliminate frequent reapplication, then the duration of action is improved, but the device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reservoir, dispensing mechanism, and abrasive material into a single integrated applicator device. The reservoir is positioned within the housing and directly coupled to the abrasive material, eliminating the need for separate application steps and reducing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator device is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing containing the reservoir, a dispensing mechanism for controlled release, and an abrasive material portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If a solid soap is placed in a sponge holder with a pocket, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the sponge material cannot contain the soap effectively during use
Solution Approach 1:
The solid soap is nested within a receptacle that is itself integrated into the housing structure. The receptacle features an open front for soap access and a back wall with a dispensing opening, creating a nested configuration that secures the soap while enabling controlled dispensing to the abrasive material.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle acts as an intermediary structure between the solid soap and the abrasive material. It provides a controlled interface where soap can be dispensed in predetermined amounts onto the abrasive material, ensuring reliable application without direct contact between the soap and sponge holder.
3Productivity
If a liquid soap reservoir is squeezed to eject soap, then the productivity is improved through rapid dispensing, but the loss of substance increases due to potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism is designed to release liquid soap in periodic, controlled amounts rather than continuous flow. The resilient member provides incremental dispensing action, allowing the user to control the rate of soap ejection and minimize leakage while maintaining high productivity through rapid repeated dispensing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is pre-loaded in a compressed state, providing a cushioning effect that controls the ejection of liquid soap. This prior cushioning prevents sudden uncontrolled release and potential leakage while enabling rapid dispensing when activated, thus improving productivity without increasing substance loss.
4Reliability
If an integral valve system is used in the reservoir, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is implemented as a simple, disposable component integrated into the reservoir structure. Rather than using complex, expensive integral valve mechanisms, the design employs a straightforward dispensing opening with a resilient member that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining sufficient reliability for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically controls the dispensing of liquid soap through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for complex valve mechanisms or external control systems. The system serves itself by using the inherent properties of the resilient material to open and close the dispensing opening based on pressure changes, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliability.
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 device provides continuous application of liquid or solid materials with the buffing element, reducing the need for frequent reapplication and ensuring a secure, leak-proof system for both liquid and solid forms, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a self-sealing valve, wherein an applied pressure on the housing forces the liquid material from the housing to the buffing element via the at least one valve
Data Source
AI summary
Applicator devices and methods for dispensing solid and liquid materials therefrom are disclosed. The applicator devices provide for application of a wide variety of liquid and solid materials from a hand-held device in combination with a buffing element. The devices generally include a top portion that forms a housing and a bottom portion that defines a buffing element. The top portion incudes an interior side that defines an inner cavity configured to contain the liquid or solid material and an exterior side having at least a portion configured to be grasped by a user's hand. Attachment between the housing and the buffing element may be releasable so that various interchangeable buffing elements may be used in combination with the liquid or solid material contained in the housing of the device.