Variable-Volume Metering Chamber for Consistent Foam Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for foamable products lack consistency and control in dispensing a metered dose, often requiring users to manually adjust the actuator to achieve the desired amount, leading to potential over or underuse of the product.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a variable-volume metering chamber that expands to a larger volume during charging and contracts to a smaller volume during dispensing, featuring a latch mechanism to ensure consistent dosing and a valve system for precise control, allowing for a consistent metered dose with each dispensing event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional dispensing device is used without a metering chamber, then the device structure is simple, but the dispensing amount cannot be controlled consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The metering chamber is charged with product before dispensing, storing a predetermined volume that will be dispensed. This preliminary action ensures consistent dispensing amount without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms during the dispensing event itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering chamber automatically meters the product based on its own volume change from expanded to contracted state. The system uses its intrinsic physical properties (volume displacement) to achieve precise metering without external control systems or complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the user manually controls the actuator to determine the desired amount, then the dispensing device structure remains simple, but the user must carefully control the actuator to avoid over or underuse
Solution Approach 1:
The metering chamber automatically meters the product based on its own volume change from expanded to contracted state. The system uses its intrinsic physical properties (volume displacement) to achieve precise metering without external control systems or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering chamber's volume is changed between expanded and contracted states to control the dispensing amount. By manipulating the volume parameter of the chamber, the system achieves precise control over the dispensing quantity without requiring user intervention in the metering process.
3Volume of moving object
If the metering chamber is biased toward the contracted configuration, then the device can maintain a compact form, but the chamber must be carefully designed to ensure proper expansion during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The metering chamber is designed to dynamically change its volume between contracted and expanded states. This dynamic capability allows the chamber to adapt to different operational phases (charging vs. dispensing) while maintaining compactness when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber's volume parameter is changed between expanded and contracted states to control the dispensing amount. By manipulating the volume parameter of the chamber, the system achieves precise control over the dispensing quantity without requiring user intervention in the metering process.
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 device ensures consistent and controlled dispensing of a metered dose, reducing the likelihood of over or underuse and eliminating the need for precise user control, providing reliable and efficient dispensing of foamable products.
Implementation Method 1
the metering chamber having an expanded configuration in which it has a first predetermined volume and a contracted configuration in which it has a second predetermined volume, wherein the first predetermined volume is larger than the second predetermined volume, the metering chamber being biased toward the contracted configuration
Implementation Method 2
Product then flows into the flow passage and is discharged through the discharge outlet. This discharge occurring from the discharge outlet is driven by the flow of foamable product entering the flow passage from the container, propelled by the vapor pressure of the propellant in the container
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing a metered dose of a product, and a method for using the apparatus. The dispensing device has a charging configuration in which an outlet (112; 212) is closed and a metering chamber (120; 220) is configured to expand to its expanded configuration while receiving product through an inlet (111; 211). It also has a discharging configuration in which the outlet (112; 212) is open and the metering chamber (120; 220) is configured to contract to its contracted configuration while expelling the received product through the outlet (112; 212), thereby dispensing a metered dose of product. The dispensing device further comprises a latch mechanism (140; 240), configured to retain the dispensing device in the charging configuration until the metering chamber (120; 220) attains its expanded configuration. The method comprises actuating an actuator (130; 230) of the dispensing device, to fill the metering chamber, and releasing the actuator to dispense the metered dose of product.