Multi-Chamber Bellows Dispenser for Simultaneous Flowable Material Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional caulking dispensers require a separate caulking gun and cannot handle the simultaneous dispensing of multiple substances, which is a limitation for users without access to a gun and for materials that require two substances for curing.
Innovation Solution
A container and dispenser system that combines a dual or multi-chambered bellows design, allowing for the simultaneous storage and dispensing of multiple substances without the need for a caulking gun, featuring a collapsible bellows structure and a threaded rod mechanism for user-actuated dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional caulking dispenser is used, then a separate caulking gun is required, but this increases device complexity and reduces ease of operation for users without access to a gun
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container and dispenser functions into a single integrated unit. The caulking container itself incorporates dispensing mechanisms (such as a plunger system or twist mechanism) directly within the container structure, eliminating the need for a separate caulking gun. This merging of functions allows users to dispense caulking directly from the container without requiring additional tools, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-substance container is used, then the container structure is simple, but it cannot handle materials requiring two substances for curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-chambered container structure where each chamber is dedicated to storing a specific substance (e.g., one chamber for resin, another for hardener). The container includes separate dispensing pathways or outlets for each chamber, allowing two different substances to be dispensed simultaneously or sequentially. This segmentation enables the container to handle two-substance curing materials while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both single-substance and two-substance applications. The multi-chambered structure can be configured to dispense either one substance from one chamber or two different substances from separate chambers, depending on the application requirements. This universal design allows the same container structure to adapt to different material types and curing requirements, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual bellows container is used, then multiple substances can be contained and simultaneously dispensed, but this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a nested bellows structure where collapsible bellows elements are positioned within each other or within the container body. The bellows are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration that allows multiple chambers to coexist within a single container footprint. This nesting approach enables the container to hold and dispense multiple substances simultaneously while minimizing the overall device size and maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of flexible, self-sealing bellows components.
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
Enables efficient and user-friendly dispensing of flowable materials, including those requiring two substances for curing, without the need for a separate caulking gun, enhancing usability and application precision.
Implementation Method 1
A collapsible bellows member shaped to define a first bellows chamber... wherein the volume can be changed by compression
Data Source
AI summary
Varied embodiments of a container/dispenser having a multi-chamber bellows member having a plurality of collapsible bellows chambers allowing more than one substance to be contained within the container and simultaneously dispensed when a sufficient axial force is exerted on a platform to compress the bellows member forcing flowable materials from each chamber. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention discloses a retrofit multi-chambered bellows container, which may be adapted to a standard caulking tube container.