Internally Fed Applicator With Fine Bristles for Dental Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for applying fluids in dental technology and other applications struggle to provide a convenient, fast, precise, and even flat application of fluids, often requiring additional steps for homogeneous coverage and being prone to excessive fluid usage or uneven distribution.
Innovation Solution
An internally fed applicator with a closure piece and a spout section featuring extremely fine bristles (up to 0.8 mm in diameter) that surround the mouth of the spout, allowing for precise fluid dispensing and minimizing dripping, with a design that includes a widening spout section and a flat channel for improved fluid control and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional nozzles or spouts are used for fluid application, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the application precision and flatness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into distinct functional segments: a spout section for fluid delivery, a closure piece for securing the applicator to the discharge device, and a bristle array for precise application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The bristle array provides localized quality enhancement at the application point, with individual bristles having specific diameters (0.2-0.8mm) to achieve precise, flat application in critical areas, while the rest of the applicator structure remains simple and easy to manufacture
2Manufacturing precision
If additional applicators or work steps are used to achieve homogeneous application, then the application quality improves, but the process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fluid delivery function (spout) and the application function (bristle array) into a single integrated applicator. The spout section delivers fluid directly to the bristle array, which then applies it in a homogeneous, flat manner, eliminating the need for separate applicators or additional work steps
Solution Approach 2:
The single applicator performs multiple functions: it delivers fluid through the spout, controls fluid flow through the bristle array configuration, and applies the fluid homogeneously to the target surface. This multi-functionality improves both application quality and productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If the outlet or nozzle is made finer for precise application, then the application precision improves, but the device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle array is segmented into multiple individual bristles with diameters of 0.2-0.8mm, providing fine application precision without requiring a single complex fine nozzle. Each bristle can be manufactured separately and then arranged in the array, simplifying the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire outlet finer, the invention changes the parameter of the application surface by using an array of bristles with specific diameter ranges (0.2-0.8mm). This provides the needed precision while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard bristle production techniques
Data Source
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AI summary
The applicator (1) has a closure piece (2) that is fluidly connected with a hollow nozzle portion (3) internally formed in a discharge device. The edges of the nozzle portion are delimited by an opening of the closure piece and bristles (4) respectively. The bristles are formed with a diameter of 0.8 mm by molding. The centerline of the bristles is parallel to the centerline (L2) of the nozzle portion.