Deformable Membrane Actuator for Accurate Fluid Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dropper dispensers are complex to assemble, prone to accidental dispensing, and often under pressure, which complicates packaging and increases costs without ensuring accuracy or quality.
Innovation Solution
A simplified dropper dispenser design featuring a deformable membrane actuator member that uses air pressure to dispense fluid, avoiding direct pressure on the fluid to ensure accurate and controlled dispensing, with a single-piece transparent body and assembly method that maintains the dispenser at atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional dropper dispensers are assembled with the cannula pre-fastened to the reservoir, then the dispenser is ready for packaging, but the assembly process causes accidental dispensing and fluid pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into separate components (reservoir, cannula, actuator member) that are assembled in a controlled sequence. The cannula is not pre-fastened to the reservoir, but rather the actuator member is assembled first, then the cannula is attached to the actuator member, allowing controlled assembly without accidental fluid dispensing
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator member is assembled with the reservoir first, creating a sealed system before the cannula is attached. This preliminary assembly step ensures that the fluid pathway is sealed and controlled, preventing accidental dispensing during the subsequent cannula attachment
2Productivity
If the dispenser is packaged in the assembled state, then packaging efficiency is improved, but the dispenser becomes prone to accidental dispensing and pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator member serves as an intermediary component between the reservoir and cannula. It includes a deformable membrane that acts as a mediator to control fluid pressure, preventing pressure buildup and accidental dispensing while allowing the dispenser to be packaged in the assembled state
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane in the actuator member changes its physical state (flexing and deforming) to regulate fluid pressure. This parameter change allows the membrane to absorb pressure variations and prevent accidental dispensing while maintaining packaging efficiency
3Speed
If direct pressure is applied to the fluid for dispensing, then dispensing speed is improved, but accuracy and control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator member uses a deformable membrane that creates pneumatic pressure control. When the membrane deforms, it gradually increases air pressure in the reservoir, which in turn gradually pushes the fluid through the cannula. This pneumatic mechanism provides both speed and accuracy by controlling the rate of pressure increase
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane changes its deformation parameter gradually, creating a controlled progression of pressure. This parameter change ensures that fluid dispensing occurs at a controlled rate, maintaining both speed and accuracy by preventing sudden pressure spikes
4Ease of manufacture
If the dispenser structure is simplified to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost is improved, but assembly complexity and reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator member combines multiple functions into a single component: it seals the reservoir opening, provides the deformable membrane for pressure control, and serves as the mounting point for the cannula. This merging reduces the total number of parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs sealing, pressure control, and structural support functions. This universality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining assembly reliability
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 design provides a user-friendly, accurate, and cost-effective dispenser that prevents accidental dispensing and maintains atmospheric pressure during assembly, ensuring intuitive operation and precise fluid delivery.
Implementation Method 1
when pressure is applied on the pusher, e.g. by means of a finger or a thumb, the inside face of the membrane moves the air, which is put under pressure in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The air under pressure acts on the fluid stored in the reservoir, and a portion (dose) of this fluid is then driven through the dispenser cannula
Implementation Method 3
When the user relaxes the pressure on the pusher, the membrane elastically returns to its start or rest position
Implementation Method 4
Suction is thus established in the reservoir, thereby causing the cannula to be sucked empty (return into the reservoir)
Implementation Method 5
the cannula forming a dispenser end that is suitable for forming a drop of fluid that separates from the cannula by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser having a reservoir (R) containing fluid (P) and air (A), the reservoir (R) forming an assembly opening (11); a fluid dispenser cannula (12) in communication with the reservoir (R); and an actuator member (2) engaged in the assembly opening (11), for supplying the dispenser cannula (13) with fluid (P). The actuator member (2) has a deformable membrane (23) that defines an outside face (231) forming a pusher (24), and an inside face (232) that is in contact with the air (A) of the reservoir (R), when the dispenser cannula (12) is in contact with the fluid (P) of the reservoir (R).