Multi-Dose Fluid Dispensing Device with Adjustable Metering Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for administering medications to small animals, such as mice, are single-use, single-dose, and non-adjustable, requiring multiple devices for multiple doses and animals, leading to inefficiency and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-dose fluid product dispensing device with a pump connected to a reservoir and a dispensing head, featuring a metering chamber, dose adjustment mechanism, and valve system, allowing for adjustable and successive actuations, enabling the same device to be used for various doses and animals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If single-use, single-dose devices are used for administering medications to small animals, then each device is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but multiple devices are required for multiple doses and animals, increasing device quantity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a reservoir for storing multiple doses, a pump mechanism with metering chamber for precise dosage control, and a dispensing head with valve system. This segmentation allows the single device to perform multiple dispensing operations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal multi-dose dispenser that can administer multiple doses to multiple animals. The reservoir-pump-dispensing head configuration enables a single device to replace multiple single-use devices, with the pump capable of delivering precise volumes (e.g., 10 µL, 20 µL, 50 µL) through adjustable metering chambers.
2Device complexity
If single-use, single-dose devices are used, then device structure is simple, but dose is not adjustable and a different device is needed for each dosage
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustability through a movable piston in the metering chamber and an adjustable bush that can be positioned at different locations. This allows the metering chamber volume to be adjusted (e.g., 10 µL, 20 µL, 50 µL) to deliver different dosages, making the device adaptable to various dosing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If multiple single-use devices are used for multiple doses, then each device is simple to operate, but the overall system requires multiple devices leading to increased cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the reservoir, pump, and dispensing head into a single integrated device. The reservoir stores multiple doses, the pump with metering chamber provides precise dosage control, and the dispensing head with valve system enables controlled delivery. This combination allows a single device to perform the function of multiple single-use devices, reducing system complexity and cost.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a device with multiple doses and adjustable dosage is designed, then adaptability and productivity are improved, but device structure and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by concentrating complexity in specific functional areas: the metering chamber with adjustable bush for dosage control, and the valve system in the dispensing head for precise delivery. The reservoir and connecting passages maintain simple structures. This localized complexity approach enables multi-dose and adjustable capabilities while minimizing overall device complexity.
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 allows for efficient and adjustable dispensing of multiple doses, reducing the need for multiple devices and enabling precise dosage control, thereby simplifying and cost-effectively managing medication trials on small animals.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring cooperating with said piston and/or said piston rod to automatically return said piston to its rest position after each actuation
Implementation Method 2
said first and second valves being urged by the first and second springs against the first and second respective valve seats
Implementation Method 3
said bush being movable, in particular by screwing/unscrewing, with respect to said piston rod, to axially adjust the rest position of said piston in said body, and consequently the volume of said metering chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid dispensing device, having a pump connected to a reservoir and to a head. A piston (22) is connected to a piston rod (25) and provided with a push-button (26) to actuate the pump. A spring (27) brings the piston to the rest position after actuation. The body has a T-like connection (24), with a first branch connected to the metering chamber, a second branch connected to the reservoir and a third branch is connected to the head. A first valve (41) is provided in the second branch and a second valve (51) in the third branch, the valves are urged against the first and second respective valve seats (43, 53). The device has dose a adjustment (28, 29) cooperating with the piston rod and has a bush (29) coaxially around the piston rod movable to adjust the rest position of the piston.