Liquid Applicator with Polymer Biasing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid applicators with tube-type containers face issues with contamination and deterioration of liquid content due to contact with metal biasing members, and the inconvenience of applying and washing off the content.
Innovation Solution
A liquid applicator design featuring a container with a plug, flow control unit, biasing member, collar holder, discharge barrel, and actuation means that prevents the biasing member from coming into contact with the liquid content, using a spring or thermoplastic polymer as the biasing member and a mechanism to open and close the apertures in the plug to control fluid flow, ensuring the liquid content does not come into contact with the biasing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a metal biasing member is used in conventional liquid applicators, then the applicator can provide sufficient elastic force to control liquid flow, but the liquid content reacts with the metal material causing contamination and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-metallic biasing member made of polymer material that acts as an intermediary between the liquid content and the mechanical structure. This polymer biasing member provides the necessary elastic force while being chemically inert to the liquid content, thus preventing contamination and deterioration. The intermediary material solves the contradiction by decoupling the mechanical function from the chemical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a polymer-based biasing member that can be easily manufactured and replaced. While the material itself is not necessarily disposable, the design allows for cost-effective replacement of the biasing member if needed, and the polymer material offers durability without the chemical reactivity issues of metal alternatives.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional tube-type or pump-type containers are used for viscous liquid cosmetics, then the container can store and protect the product, but the user must discharge the content through an outlet and apply it using hand contact, requiring washing after use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service application mechanism where the liquid content is automatically dispensed from the container through a controlled outlet structure. The system uses the pressure from inverting the container combined with the biasing member's elastic force to propel the liquid directly onto the application surface, eliminating the need for manual transfer and subsequent washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic outlet structure that responds to the container's orientation and applied pressure. When the container is inverted and pressed, the outlet opens to allow liquid flow; when returned to normal position, the biasing member closes the outlet. This dynamic control enables convenient, on-demand dispensing without continuous hand contact.
3Quantity of substance
If the container is stood upside down or shaken to discharge viscous liquid content, then the content may flow out, but the discharge is not smooth and controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple gravitational discharge mechanism with a controlled mechanical system involving a biasing member and a structured outlet. Instead of relying solely on inverting or shaking the container, the biasing member provides consistent elastic force that works in conjunction with user-applied pressure to smoothly and controllably discharge the viscous liquid through the outlet structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a pre-configured outlet structure with integrated flow control features that are prepared in advance within the container. The biasing member is pre-positioned to maintain readiness for controlled discharge, allowing smooth and regulated liquid flow as soon as the container is activated, without requiring rough handling or uncontrolled shaking.
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
Prevents contamination and deterioration of the liquid content, allows convenient application without hand contact, and extends the life of the biasing member by isolating it from the liquid, while also preventing backflow and air pollution.
Implementation Method 1
the flow control unit comprises a biasing member arranged to be pushed by the elastic recovery of the biasing member
Implementation Method 2
the liquid content flows from the container to the discharge barrel through the plug and the collar holder
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid applicator comprising a container, a plug, a flow control unit, a biasing member, a collar holder, a discharge barrel, a collar, an application member, a cap and optionally a jacket. The cap or the jacket is configured to displace the collar holder along a longitudinal axis of the liquid applicator to bring the liquid applicator to an open position or to a closed position. The flow control unit closes the at least one aperture in the plug in the closed position; and in the open position, the flow control unit opens the at least one aperture in the plug and the liquid content flows from the at least one aperture to the collar holder so that the container, the plug and the collar holder are in fluid communication with each other.