Interchangeable Blade Applicator for Viscous Material Bead Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzles for dispensing viscous materials often result in excessive material extrusion, uneven application, and inefficiencies due to inconsistencies in the surface being applied, leading to waste and the need for manual correction, even for trained professionals.
Innovation Solution
An applicator with a nozzle and support arm forming a slot to receive a releasable blade, which assists in shaping the material as it exits, featuring a triangular outlet to apply material efficiently and aesthetically, especially in corner applications, and interchangeable blades for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional nozzles are used for dispensing viscous materials, then the nozzle structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but excessive material is extruded and manual correction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into modular components: a reusable body and interchangeable blades. The blade can be detached and replaced depending on the specific application requirements, allowing optimization for different materials and surfaces while keeping the main body simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade geometry (angle, width, curvature) can be changed to match different application parameters such as bead size, surface type, and material viscosity. This allows precise control over material extrusion without changing the basic nozzle structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional nozzles are used for dispensing viscous materials, then the nozzle structure is simple, but the application precision and consistency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The blade parameters (angle, width, edge geometry) are specifically designed and optimized to control material flow and application precision. Different blade configurations can be selected based on the required application consistency and bead uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is positioned to contact the material before it exits the nozzle, pre-shaping and guiding the material flow. This preliminary action ensures consistent application quality from the start, reducing the need for manual correction.
3Manufacturing precision
If application-specific nozzles are used to improve precision, then the application precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and cleaning becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is segmented into a simple reusable body and interchangeable blades. This allows multiple blade designs for different applications without complicating the main device structure. Each blade can be optimized for specific applications while sharing the same mounting interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade design incorporates universal features such as a standardized mounting interface and geometry that can be adapted for various applications. A single blade design can serve multiple purposes by adjusting orientation or selecting from a set of similar blades.
4Manufacturing precision
If application-specific nozzles are used to improve precision, then the application precision is improved, but the ease of operation and cleaning are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is extracted as a separate, removable component from the applicator body. This allows the blade to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the main device. The simple blade geometry with no internal passages makes cleaning straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is designed as a low-cost, easily replaceable component. For applications where cleaning is difficult or the blade becomes contaminated, it can be discarded and replaced with a new blade rather than requiring complex cleaning procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for dispensing a viscous material from a container. The applicator comprises a nozzle for fluid communication with the container. The nozzle has an outlet at a first end and base in proximity to an opposed second end. The nozzle further includes a support arm spaced apart from the nozzle. The support arm and the nozzle collectively forming a slot therebetween for releasably receiving a blade. An attachment portion extend from the base and is configured to releasably engage the container to permit material within the container to flow under pressure through the nozzle and onto a surface. When the blade is received within the slot, it contacts the material as it exits the nozzle and assists in forming the material into a desired shape or configuration.