Hand-Worn Fluid Applicator with Integrated Pump and Dispensing Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-worn fluid dispensing devices lack efficient and user-friendly mechanisms for dispensing fluids, such as cleaning solutions or sunscreen, as they often require manual activation or have limited control over fluid release, and there is a need for improved packaging, display, and storage solutions for these devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable fluid dispensing device comprising a mitt or glove with a fluid reservoir between two impermeable layers and a foam layer, featuring a pump subassembly and an elongated dispensing outlet that allows for controlled and metered dispensing of fluid directly from the mitt, enabling easy application to surfaces without the need for separate containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fluid reservoir is integrated into a hand-worn applicator, then convenience and portability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid reservoir, pump mechanism, and applicator head into a single integrated hand-worn device. The reservoir is formed by sealing between layers of the applicator material, creating a compact unified structure that eliminates the need for separate containers and reduces overall system complexity despite adding functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism is nested within the applicator structure, with the reservoir formed by layer sealing that contains the fluid chamber. The outlet tube is positioned to extend through the applicator layers, creating a nested arrangement where smaller functional components are housed within the larger applicator body, optimizing space utilization.
2Productivity
If manual activation is used for fluid dispensing, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is designed to be manually activated by the user through simple squeezing or pressing motions, allowing the device to dispense fluid on demand without requiring external power sources or complex automated control systems. This self-service approach maintains high productivity while keeping the device simple and portable.
3Loss of time
If multiple applications are enabled from a single reservoir, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed reservoir design allows fluid to be dispensed continuously through the pump mechanism without requiring replacement or refilling during multiple applications. The integrated design maintains a consistent supply of fluid from the single reservoir, enabling uninterrupted use across multiple applications and reducing time loss associated with container changes.
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 a convenient and efficient means of dispensing fluids, allowing for multiple applications from a single reservoir, enhancing user control and convenience in personal and non-personal cleaning tasks, while minimizing the need for additional packaging and storage considerations.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes a pump subassembly in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and including an elongated fluid dispensing outlet disposed within the pocket and attached to an inner surface of the foam layer. The fluid dispensing outlet defines a fluid channel and includes an outlet aligned with the dispensing hole for delivering the fluid to an outer surface of the foam layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable fluid dispensing device (system) for mounting upon a human hand and for dispensing a fluid is provided. The device includes a hand-held applicator that includes a pocket that is configured to receive one hand of a user. The pocket partitions the hand-held applicator into a rear portion and a front portion. The rear portion includes a fluid reservoir for holding a fluid that is to be dispensed. The front portion is defined by a foam layer that has a dispensing hole, with the pocket being defined between the rear portion and the foam layer. The device further includes a pump subassembly that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and includes an elongated fluid dispensing outlet that is disposed within the pocket and attached to an inner surface of the foam layer. The fluid dispensing outlet defines a fluid channel and includes an outlet that is aligned with the dispensing hole for delivering the fluid to an outer surface of the foam layer.