Locking Adapter for Separated-Outlet Cartridges and Single-Inlet Mixers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-inlet static mixers are generally incompatible with separated-outlet fluid cartridges due to structural differences, limiting their use together in dispensing operations.
Innovation Solution
An adapter that lockingly engages the single-inlet static mixer and selectively, releasably engages the separated-outlet cartridge, enabling their combination through a snap fit engagement and allowing preassembly for use with existing supplies of separated-outlet cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separated-bore dispensing components are used, then multi-component fluid dispensing capability is achieved, but compatibility with single-bore mixers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component that couples the single-bore mixer to the separated-bore cartridge. The adapter includes a single inlet that receives fluid from the mixer and multiple outlets that connect to the separate cartridge chambers, thereby mediating between the incompatible single-bore and separated-bore interfaces and enabling compatibility without modifying the original components.
2Ease of operation
If single-inlet mixers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but use with separated-outlet cartridges is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a mediator that translates the single-inlet interface of the mixer into multiple outlets compatible with the separated-outlet cartridge. This allows the simple single-inlet mixer to operate with separated-outlet cartridges without requiring structural modifications to the mixer itself, maintaining ease of operation while overcoming structural incompatibility.
3Quantity of substance
If separated-outlet cartridges are used, then multi-component fluid storage is achieved, but connection compatibility with single-inlet mixers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter enables the separated-outlet cartridge to connect with single-inlet mixers by providing a single inlet that receives fluid from the mixer and multiple outlets that distribute to the separate cartridge chambers. This intermediary structure preserves the multi-component storage capability of the cartridge while adding compatibility with single-inlet mixers.
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An adapter for connecting a separated-outlet fluid cartridge to a single-inlet static mixer includes a locking portion and a connecting portion. The locking portion has at least one locking element configured to lockingly engage the mixer housing so as to inhibit rotation between the locking portion and the housing. The connecting portion is received within the locking portion and has first and second fluid inlet members configured to be coupled to respective first and second fluid outlets of the cartridge for receiving fluid from the cartridge, and a fluid outlet member configured to be sealingly coupled to the mixer for directing fluid into the mixer. The locking portion is selectively rotatable about the connecting portion between unlocked and locked positions relative to the cartridge when the connecting portion is coupled to the cartridge. Consequently, the adapter advantageously enables dispensing with a separated-outlet fluid cartridge in combination with a single-inlet static mixer.