Indexed Plunger Dispensing Device for Controlled Adhesive Doses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in applying precise amounts of flowable adhesive materials, often leading to overuse or underuse, resulting in waste and reduced efficacy due to the lack of clear indicators for stopping application.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a tubular body and plunger featuring indexed positioning mechanisms, such as guide tracks and pins, and audible feedback, ensures controlled and accurate unitized doses of the adhesive material are applied, preventing overuse and ensuring consistent application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a syringe-type dispensing device is used to apply adhesive gel-like substances, then the substance can be applied to a surface, but users have difficulty deciding when to stop applying, leading to overuse or underuse of the adhesive material
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device divides the adhesive material into discrete unitized doses using a plunger with indexed positioning. The plunger can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the barrel, with each position corresponding to a specific dose amount. This segmentation allows users to apply precise, controlled doses without needing to judge when to stop, eliminating overuse or underuse while maintaining ease of operation through simple plunger movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates visual feedback mechanisms such as indexing marks or windows that display the current plunger position and remaining material volume. This feedback system provides real-time information to the user about the dose being applied and when to stop, enabling precise control while keeping the operation simple and intuitive.
2Quantity of substance
If users continue pressing on the plunger to apply adhesive around the entire circumference, then complete coverage is achieved, but this leads to overuse of the adhesive material and unnecessary quick need for refill
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed with indexed positioning that segments the total adhesive volume into multiple unitized doses. Each index position represents a predetermined optimal dose amount. Users simply move the plunger to the next index position for each dose, ensuring consistent, non-wasteful application. This eliminates the need to continuously press the plunger and prevents overuse, thereby extending the interval between refills and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-calculates and pre-positions the plunger at specific indexed locations corresponding to optimal dose amounts. This preliminary action of pre-positioning eliminates the need for users to make real-time decisions about when to stop, ensuring each dose is precisely controlled from the start. This prevents overuse and maximizes the utility of each refill, improving overall productivity.
3Productivity
If users do not apply enough of the substance, then the application process is faster, but this minimizes the efficacy of the substance
Solution Approach 1:
The indexed plunger positions are pre-determined to deliver optimal doses that ensure adequate coverage and efficacy. Each index position corresponds to a carefully calibrated amount of adhesive that meets performance requirements. Users can quickly move between indexes without worrying about dosage adequacy, maintaining high application speed while ensuring reliable efficacy through scientifically determined dose amounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary calculation and calibration of the optimal dose amounts during manufacturing, encoding these values into the indexed positions. This preliminary action ensures that each dose is sufficient for effective performance while minimizing waste. Users simply follow the pre-established indexes, achieving both fast application and reliable efficacy without needing to make judgment calls during application.
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 allows for precise application of adhesive materials, reducing waste and ensuring consistent efficacy by providing clear indicators for each dose, thus optimizing the use of the material.
Implementation Method 1
The means for indexed positioning of the second end of the body and an inner end of the inner pushing structure of the plunger relative to each other
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (10) for applying controlled unitized doses of a flowable material to a surface is disclosed. The device includes a tubular body (20) and a plunger (60). The body has a wall (21) defining a cavity (24), and the body has a first open end (25) and an opposite second end (26) having a dispensing orifice (28). A flowable material is contained in the cavity of the body. The plunger has an outer sleeve (62) dimensioned for surrounding at least a section the body and an inner pushing structure (80) dimensioned for axial movement in the cavity of the body. The device has means for indexed positioning of the second end of the body and an inner end of the inner pushing structure of the plunger relative to each other to provide controlled unitized doses of the flowable material to a surface when the plunger is moved toward the body by a user's hand.