Multi-Composition Dispenser With Orthogonal Flow Director
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual composition product dispensers face challenges with mechanical complexity, aesthetics, optimization for viscous compositions, compact design, manufacturing tolerances, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in dispensing relatively viscous compositions and maintaining consistent dispensing ratios.
Innovation Solution
A product dispenser design featuring a multi-composition flow director with orthogonal inlet axes and a partially concentric nozzle configuration, including inner and outer conduits with sealing rings, which minimizes backflow and clogging, reduces user force required, and allows for varied viscosity and nozzle configurations, ensuring consistent dispensing and aesthetic freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a concentric dual outlets nozzle is used, then the aesthetics of the dispensed product is improved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested nozzle configuration where an inner nozzle conduit is positioned within an outer nozzle conduit, both in fluid communication with separate flow director cavities. This nested arrangement enables concentric dispensing of two compositions while maintaining manageable mechanical complexity through modular construction and standardized sealing interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow director is segmented into distinct first and second flow director cavities, each in fluid communication with a separate container. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each composition's flow path while maintaining overall structural integrity and simplifying manufacturing through separate molding processes.
2Reliability
If the nozzle length is increased, then the dispensing of viscous compositions is improved, but the compact design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The nested conduit arrangement allows the inner nozzle conduit to be positioned within the outer nozzle conduit, maximizing the effective nozzle length for viscous composition dispensing while minimizing the external footprint. This nested configuration enables extended flow paths without proportionally increasing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the flow director cavities and conduits, positioning them at angles (60-90 degrees) relative to each other. This dimensional optimization allows efficient flow paths for viscous compositions without requiring excessive linear length, maintaining compactness while ensuring reliable dispensing.
3Reliability
If the inner conduit length is increased, then the prevention of backflow is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow director sealing rings as intermediary elements between the inner and outer conduits and the flow director cavities. These sealing rings prevent backflow and leakage while accommodating manufacturing tolerances through standardized interfaces and compression sealing mechanisms, reducing the precision requirements for the conduit lengths themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates pre-compression sealing features and angled conduit entries (60-90 degrees) that prevent backflow before it can occur. The sealing rings are designed with compression features that compensate for normal manufacturing variations, providing a buffer against tolerance accumulation and reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing precision.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a multi-composition flow director is used, then the consistent dispensing of compositions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow director is divided into separate first and second flow director cavities, each with its own inlet axis and conduit system. This segmentation enables independent control and consistent dispensing of each composition while simplifying the overall design through modular, interchangeable components that can be manufactured separately and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow director design incorporates universal sealing ring interfaces and standardized conduit entry points that can accommodate different composition viscosities and flow rates. This multi-functionality allows the same basic flow director structure to consistently dispense various compositions without requiring custom modifications, maintaining simplicity while ensuring consistent performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-composition product dispenser capable of concurrently dispensing at least a first and second composition is provided.