Liquid Dosing Apparatus with Segmented Chamber and Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dosing devices are bulky, complex, and require repeated tilting for dosing, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing, user convenience, and dosing accuracy, especially when dealing with larger doses or varying viscosities.
Innovation Solution
A resiliently squeezable container with a cap and dosing chamber featuring a nozzle, plunger, and valve system that allows for controlled liquid dispensing without inverting the container, utilizing a ratio of inlet openings to timer apertures and specific pressure ranges to maintain consistent dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multiplicity of chambers are arranged to allow fluid communication in separate stages, then dosing function is achieved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing chamber is segmented into multiple functional zones (inlet region, timer aperture region, discharge region) that work in sequence during the dosing process, eliminating the need for multiple separate chambers while maintaining staged fluid communication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple dosing functions are merged into a single integrated dosing chamber that handles filling, timing, and discharge operations sequentially, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the apparatus construction
2Reliability
If the container is tilted back and forth for dosing, then liquid transfer between chambers is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing chamber automatically performs liquid transfer operations through its internal geometry and pressure differential mechanisms, eliminating the need for user manipulation such as tilting the container back and forth
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical tilting operation is replaced by a valve-controlled fluid flow system that uses pressure differentials and gravity in a controlled manner to achieve liquid transfer without requiring container orientation changes
3Device complexity
If gravity alone is used for dosing, then simplicity is maintained, but dosing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A valve mechanism is introduced as an intermediary control element that regulates fluid flow through the dosing chamber, providing precise control over dosing timing and quantity while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing process controls parameters such as flow rate, timing duration, and pressure differential to achieve accurate dosing measurements while keeping the mechanical structure simple
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 achieves consistent and accurate dosing independently of pressure fluctuations and container fill levels, reducing manufacturing complexity and user effort, while allowing for flexible dosing without the need for repeated tilting.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently squeezable container... upon squeezing of said container
Implementation Method 2
squeezing of said container to generate a pressure of from 2 kPa to 12 kPa... forces the liquid through liquid outlet openings
Implementation Method 3
A valve is provided in said retaining means wherein said valve is movable from an open position, allowing liquid flow through said discharge opening, and a closed position, where the valve blocks said discharge opening
Implementation Method 4
A plunger is provided in said dosing chamber and is moveable relative to said chamber so as to advance upon squeezing of said container, up to a blocking position
Implementation Method 5
the ratio of the total surface of said inlet openings and said timer apertures is from 2 to 17... At least one timer aperture is located proximal to said discharge opening
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods of repeatedly dispensing controlled doses of liquid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a resiliently squeezable container, a cap operably connected to the container, a dosing chamber operably connected to the cap, at least one timer aperture located proximal to the discharge opening, a plunger, a valve retaining means located below the base, and a valve provided in the valve retaining means. The ratio of the total surface of the inlet openings and the timer apertures is from about 2 to about 17 and the viscosity of the liquid is from about 1 to about 600 mPa·s (measured at 10 s−1 at 20° C.).