Lateral Actuator Fluid Dispenser with Integrated Reservoir Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal-spray fluid dispenser devices face issues with user safety due to the risk of injury from axial force application and complexity in design, leading to potential incomplete dispensing and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser device with a lateral actuator system featuring a pivoting lever and integrally molded transverse projections on the reservoir, which guides axial movement and simplifies the actuation process, reducing the number of components and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual axial actuation is used, then the device structure is simple, but user safety deteriorates due to risk of injury and incomplete dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the actuation direction from axial to lateral. Instead of moving the reservoir head axially, the user applies lateral force to move the reservoir laterally, which then translates to axial movement of the dispenser member through the transverse projection mechanism. This inversion eliminates direct axial force on the user while maintaining actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse projection acts as an intermediary element between the lateral actuator and the dispenser member. It converts lateral movement of the reservoir into axial movement of the dispenser member, mediating the force transmission and enabling safe indirect actuation without direct axial contact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lateral actuator devices are used to improve safety, then user safety improves, but device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transverse projection directly with the reservoir body through integral molding, combining two previously separate components into one. This reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the lateral-to-axial movement conversion function, thereby simplifying the device and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir serves multiple functions: it contains the fluid, provides structural support, and incorporates the transverse projection for actuation. By making the reservoir multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate actuation components, reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If lateral actuator devices with multiple components are used, then actuation safety improves, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse projection is integrally molded with the reservoir, merging what would have been separate actuation components into a single molded part. This significantly reduces manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and associated costs while maintaining reliable lateral-to-axial movement conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir itself provides the actuation interface through its integrated transverse projection, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms. The reservoir serves its own actuation needs, reducing the bill of materials and simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.
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 solution ensures safe and reliable actuation without user injury, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for additional components and silicone treatment, while maintaining effective fluid dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a lateral actuator system that is secured to said body, said lateral actuator system including a lever that is mounted to pivot on said body
Implementation Method 2
said at least one transverse projection being formed on or below said neck of the reservoir and co-operating, during actuation, with said lateral actuator system
Implementation Method 3
a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve that is mounted on said reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser device having a body, a reservoir including a neck, a dispenser member mounted on the reservoir, a lateral actuator system secured to the body and including a lever pivotally mounted, and a transverse projection formed directly on the reservoir and formed on or below the neck and co-operating, during actuation, with the lateral actuator system. The reservoir includes two parallel transverse projections that extend in symmetrical manner respectively on either side of the reservoir, a radial recess being defined between the two parallel transverse projections, the radial recess co-operating with the body so as to guide the reservoir axially during actuation.