System and method for dispensing a substance into one of multiple patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensing systems are limited to dispensing a single type of substance in a single pattern, requiring multiple systems for different patterns and types, leading to increased costs and spatial inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system with interchangeable removable components that define different patterns, allowing a single system to dispense multiple types of substances in various patterns by replacing the removable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional dispensing system is designed to dispense substance in a single specific pattern, then the dispensing function is simple and reliable, but the system cannot dispense multiple patterns or multiple types of substances, requiring multiple separate systems which increases cost and spatial requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into a base unit and interchangeable removable components. Each removable component contains specific openings that define different patterns. This segmentation allows the base unit to remain simple while the removable components provide pattern variety, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base dispensing unit is designed as a universal platform that can work with multiple different removable components. Each removable component adds a specific pattern function, allowing a single base unit to perform multiple dispensing patterns and accommodate different substance types, thereby achieving versatility without increasing base unit complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate dispensing systems are acquired to achieve multiple patterns, then each system maintains simple and reliable operation for its specific function, but the total cost and spatial requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The base dispensing unit serves as a universal platform that can accommodate different removable components for various substance types and patterns. This multi-functionality allows a single physical system to replace multiple separate systems, improving spatial efficiency while maintaining the ability to handle different substance types.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable components are designed to be inserted into or attached to the base unit, creating a nested or integrated structure. This allows multiple pattern capabilities to be housed within a single compact system footprint, significantly improving spatial efficiency compared to having separate standalone systems for each pattern.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single system is designed to accommodate multiple removable components for different patterns, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a base unit and separate removable components. This segmentation allows the complex pattern-defining features to be isolated in interchangeable parts rather than built into the base unit, making the overall system more adaptable while keeping the base unit relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable components allow users to change the geometric parameters (opening patterns) of the dispensing system without changing the base unit. This parameter change approach provides versatility in pattern output while maintaining a simple, unchanged base structure, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for dispensing a substance into one of multiple patterns. The system includes a container to hold a substance and a pump in flow communication with the substance. The pump directs the substance from the container to a housing. The housing includes a first removable component with first openings that define a first pattern. The first removable component is in flow communication with the pump. The first removable component is replaceable with a second removable component defining second openings that define a second pattern different from the first pattern. The pump directs the substance through the first openings such that the substance forms a first pattern on a surface positioned proximate to the housing that is based on the first pattern of the first removable component.