Liquid Dispensing Device Segmented Applicator Head

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing applicator devices for dispensing liquids often suffer from permanent deformation during use, contamination risks, and limited versatility in application, particularly when handling different liquids and substrates.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a container with a closed proximal end and an open distal end, equipped with an applicator head and a receptacle for holding elements, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of applicator heads, and incorporating a shaking mechanism for mixing, along with a feed system that includes multiple feed openings and a filling opening, suitable for various liquid types and substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the container walls are made flexible to allow deformation during dispensing, then the device can adapt to different application surfaces, but the container may suffer from permanent deformation and loss of structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different application surfacesVSAvoidstructural integrity of container
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a rigid container for liquid storage and a separate applicator head with flexible elements for dispensing. This segmentation allows the container to maintain structural integrity while the applicator head provides surface adaptability through its flexible foam or felt components that can conform to different application surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the applicator head is fixed permanently to the container, then the device structure is simplified, but the device loses versatility in handling different liquids and substrates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidversatility in handling different liquids and substrates
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator head is designed with a dynamic attachment system that allows it to be easily removed and replaced. The retaining element with receptacle provides a simple mechanical connection that can be quickly detached and reattached, enabling the device to adapt to different liquids and substrates without complex reconfiguration while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the applicator head can be easily detached and replaced, then the device versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicator head replacementVSAvoidnumber of mounting components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system uses a simple retaining element with a receptacle that provides easy detachability through basic mechanical movement. This dynamic connection allows quick replacement of the applicator head while minimizing the number of mounting components, achieving ease of replacement without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Area of stationary object

If multiple feed openings are provided for liquid supply, then the liquid dispensing coverage is improved, but the risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid dispensing coverage areaVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The feed openings are strategically positioned and sized to optimize liquid distribution across the applicator head while minimizing exposure to contamination. The local quality of the feed opening arrangement ensures adequate coverage area while maintaining controlled access points that reduce contamination risk compared to larger, more exposed openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3193664B1Device for applying a liquid
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3193664B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3193664B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3193664B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for dispensing a liquid (18) onto a substrate, comprising a reservoir (10) for the liquid (18), which reservoir is open on a distal end (2) and is closed on a proximal end (3), and an applicator head (20), arranged on the open end and having an application means which is secured to a protruding retaining element (22), a receptacle (38) for the retaining element (22) being provided in order to allow the applicator head (20) to be secured. The device also has a feed opening (44) for feeding liquid (18) from the reservoir to the application means.