Liquid Dispensing Nozzle Cap with Force-Threshold Safety and Evaporation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing devices pose a safety hazard for young children as they can easily access and ingest the liquid contents by opening the dispensing nozzle cap, leading to potential intoxication.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing nozzle with a removable cap that requires a specific force threshold to unscrew, featuring a coaxial exterior and interior envelope configuration that blocks evaporation path initially for storage, ensuring the nozzle is fluid-tight and safe from contamination, and automatically opens the evaporation path after first use to prevent liquid stagnation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap is designed to be easily opened by unscrewing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety is worsened as children can access the liquid product
Solution Approach 1:
The cap transitions from a static simple screw cap to a dynamic multi-configuration system with axial and rotational movements. The exterior envelope can move axially relative to the interior envelope, and the blocking means can shift position based on the applied force, creating different operational states (storage, safety, unscrewing) that adapt to user needs while preventing child access
Solution Approach 2:
The opening mechanism requires changing the force parameter from low (child manipulation) to high (adult unscrewing). The blocking means responds to force intensity thresholds, remaining in blocking position under low force but allowing movement under high force, thereby differentiating between child and adult usage scenarios
2Reliability
If the evaporation path is blocked during storage, then the reliability is improved by preventing evaporation and contamination, but the ease of operation is worsened due to additional blocking means
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means is nested within the cap structure, specifically positioned between the exterior and interior envelopes. This integration allows the blocking function to be incorporated without adding external components, maintaining a compact design while achieving reliable sealing during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means serves multiple functions: it blocks the evaporation path during storage to prevent contamination and evaporation, and simultaneously acts as a safety mechanism by requiring force application to move it. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
3Device complexity
If the blocking means are integrated in the cap, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision is worsened due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means is positioned in a location where it naturally responds to axial force application without requiring complex alignment mechanisms. The force application point and blocking means position are designed to work together, reducing the precision requirements for manufacturing while ensuring reliable operation
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 ensures the nozzle is secure from accidental opening by children while allowing easy access for adults, preventing liquid evaporation and contamination during storage and ensuring safe and effective evaporation of residual liquid after initial use.
Implementation Method 1
a residual liquid evaporation path disposed between the opening and the exterior of the nozzle when the removable cap is mounted on the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
the exterior envelope is configured to freewheel relative to the interior envelope in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispensing nozzle having an opening, a removable cap, a residual liquid evaporation path between the opening and the exterior of the nozzle, an element for blocking the evaporation path, mobile in the cap between a blocking position and a position opening the evaporation path, the cap including an exterior envelope and an interior envelope that are coaxial, and mobile relative to one another in an axial direction between: a storage configuration; a configuration for unscrewing the cap when a bearing force exerted on the cap has an intensity greater than a predetermined threshold; a safety configuration if a bearing force exerted on the cap has an intensity lower than the predetermined threshold or if no bearing force is exerted on the cap, the blocking element being configured to be driven by the movement of the exterior envelope to pass from the blocking position to the opening position.