Metered Plant Extract Dispenser with Rotational Dial and Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for plant extracts lack the ability to meter specific amounts, which is a requirement for medicinal purposes.
Innovation Solution
A metered dispensing device with a rotatable dial and plunger mechanism that provides tactile and audible feedback after a predetermined amount of plant extract has been dispensed, ensuring accurate and controlled dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple dispensing device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to meter specific amounts of plant extract is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the dispensing control into discrete rotational increments of the dial, where each increment corresponds to a specific metered amount. The dial is divided into marked intervals that represent predetermined volumes, allowing precise measurement without complex instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-calibrates the relationship between dial rotation and extract volume during manufacturing. The feedback system is pre-configured to provide tactile and audible signals at specific rotational positions, eliminating the need for real-time measurement calculations during use.
2Measurement precision
If a feedback system is added to provide tactile and audible signals, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a feedback system that provides tactile (clicks) and audible signals to confirm when a predetermined amount of extract has been dispensed. This feedback mechanism guides the user to stop rotation at the correct position, ensuring accurate metering.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback system acts as an intermediary between the mechanical rotation and the dispensing action. It translates rotational position into user-perceivable signals without requiring complex electronic sensors or digital displays, maintaining mechanical simplicity while achieving precise measurement.
3Manufacturing precision
If the plunger mechanism is made more controllable, then the dispensing precision is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through the feedback system. As the user rotates the dial, the plunger automatically dispenses the correct amount of extract, and the feedback signals inform the user when to stop, eliminating the need for manual measurement or complex control inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces manual estimation and complex mechanical controls with a simplified rotational dial system. The relationship between rotation and dispensing volume is mechanically predetermined, allowing users to operate the device through simple intuitive motion rather than complex adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A metered dispensing device for plant extracts is provided. The device includes a main body having an inner volume for holding plant extract, a rotatable dial operably coupled on an end of the main body, a dispensing end located on an end of the main body opposite the rotatable dial, and a dispensing tip coupled to the dispensing end. The device also includes a dispensing mechanism including a plunger moveable along the length of the main body in response to rotation of the dial. The plunger pushes plant extract from the inner volume out the dispensing tip. The device also includes a feedback system providing tactile and audible feedback after a predetermined amount of plant extract has been dispensed through the dispensing tip.