Liquid Dropper Lateral Sealing for Tip Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing devices, particularly for ophthalmic liquids, face issues with secure sealing and handling, leading to potential damage of the dispensing tip and improper dispensing forms, such as jets instead of drops, which can cause eye injuries.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cap and vessel featuring a sealing ring that engages laterally with the dispensing tip, preventing damage and ensuring a reliable seal without excessive torque, and incorporating end stop elements to prevent over-tightening, along with tamper-evident features for safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cap is screwed onto the vessel with high torque to ensure secure sealing, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the dispensing tip may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the cap-vessel connection. Instead of relying solely on the cap being tightly screwed to the vessel, the sealing ring is separated as an independent component that provides sealing through its lateral wall engagement with the dispensing tip. This allows the cap to be loosely attached while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring acts as an intermediary element between the cap and the dispensing tip. Its lateral wall engages with the lateral surface of the dispensing tip to provide sealing, mediating the interaction between the cap and tip without requiring direct contact or high torque between the cap and vessel.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the cap is tightly attached to the vessel, then liquid leakage is prevented, but the dispensing tip may be damaged by excessive torque
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the cap-vessel connection. The sealing ring is an independent component that provides sealing through its lateral wall engagement with the dispensing tip, allowing the cap to be loosely attached while preventing liquid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is designed as a sacrificial, replaceable component. If it wears out or gets damaged, it can be easily replaced without replacing the entire cap-vessel assembly. This allows for cost-effective maintenance while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Device complexity
If a traditional screw connection is used for sealing, then the structure is simple, but the dispensing tip is vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the cap-vessel connection. The sealing ring is an independent component that provides sealing through its lateral wall engagement with the dispensing tip, protecting the tip from damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring acts as an intermediary element between the cap and the dispensing tip. Its lateral wall engages with the lateral surface of the dispensing tip to provide sealing and protection, mediating the interaction without requiring complex mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for dispensing a liquid, preferably an aqueous solution, comprising a vessel for containing the liquid, a dispensing dropper with a dispensing tip and a cap, wherein the cap and the vessel comprise corresponding fixation elements, wherein the cap comprises a sealing ring and that a lateral wall of the sealing ring is in engagement with a lateral surface of the dispensing tip when the vessel is closed by the cap.