Modular Fluid Dispenser Assembly for Cleanable Wave-Generating Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispenser and applicator assemblies are not modular, difficult to clean, and not easily adaptable to various wave-generating technologies, with the pump being non-removable and the fluid path involving additional surfaces that complicate cleaning and fluid mixing.
Innovation Solution
A modular design with a hollow reception body, a removable fluid dispenser unit comprising a reservoir, pump, and dispenser endpiece, and a separate applicator unit with a wave-generator module, allowing for easy replacement and cleaning, with the fluid path confined to the dispenser to prevent mixing and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pump is molded directly inside the reception body as a non-removable unit, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the device cannot be cleaned properly and fluid mixing occurs between different products
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three separable modules: a reception body, a removable dispenser assembly containing the pump and reservoir, and an applicator head. This segmentation allows the dispenser assembly to be removed for cleaning and prevents fluid mixing between different products, while the reception body maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump and reservoir are extracted from the reception body and placed in a separate removable dispenser assembly. This extraction enables the pump to be removed along with the reservoir for complete cleaning, eliminating the fluid mixing problem that occurred when the pump was permanently molded inside the reception body.
2Device complexity
If the dispenser is permanently integrated into the reception body, then the device is more compact and easier to manufacture, but it becomes difficult to clean and adapt to different wave-generating technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components including a reception body, a removable dispenser assembly, and a separate applicator head that can accommodate different wave-generating technologies. This segmentation maintains compactness while enabling versatility through interchangeable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The reception body is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different wave-generating technologies in the applicator head, while the removable dispenser assembly provides multi-functionality for different fluid products. This universal design enables the device to adapt to various technologies without increasing overall complexity.
3Device complexity
If the fluid path extends through the reception body and outlet duct, then the device structure is simplified, but the fluid contacts additional surfaces making cleaning difficult and causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The pump and reservoir are extracted into a separate removable dispenser assembly, creating a dedicated fluid containment system. The fluid path is confined to this removable assembly and does not extend through the reception body, eliminating contact with additional surfaces and preventing contamination while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Device complexity
If the reservoir is the only removable component, then the device structure is simplified, but the pump remains inside the reception body causing cleaning issues and fluid mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented so that the dispenser assembly containing both the reservoir and pump is removable as a single unit. This segmentation allows complete removal of all fluid-contact components for thorough cleaning, preventing fluid mixing between different products while maintaining simplified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir and pump are merged into a single removable dispenser assembly. This combination allows both components to be removed together for complete cleaning, eliminating the problem that arose when only the reservoir was removable while the pump remained inside the reception body.
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 enables easy cleaning, modularity, and adaptability to different wave-generating technologies, allowing for multiple fluid types to be used without mixing, and reduces manufacturing costs by separating the assembly into distinct units.
Implementation Method 1
a wave-generator module that emits waves and transmits them to the applicator surface
Implementation Method 2
a fluid dispenser comprising a reservoir, a pump, and a dispenser endpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser and applicator assembly having a reception body, a fluid applicator surface for coming into contact with a target, such as the skin; and a fluid dispenser having a reservoir, a pump, and a dispenser endpiece that defines an outlet surface and a fluid dispenser orifice. The dispenser is received in the reception body with its dispenser endpiece being received in a housing, its outlet surface forming a portion of the applicator surface, such that the dispenser orifice opens out directly in the applicator surface.