Frusto-Pyramidal Nozzle Geometry for Low-Pressure Semi-Solid Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nozzles for dispensing consumer health products from pliable containers require excessive hand pressure, leading to inaccurate dispensing and risk of container splitting or spilling, particularly for older adults or those with limited hand strength.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle design featuring a frusto-pyramidal passageway with a quadrilateral outlet, a smooth cylindrical skirt, and anti-back off features, allowing for easy attachment to containers and ensuring controlled, accurate dispensing of semi-solid compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional nozzle design is used, then the structure is simple, but excessive hand pressure is required causing inaccurate dispensing and container damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of dispensingVSAvoidhand pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle internal geometry is changed from conventional designs to a frusto-pyramidal passage with specific dimensional parameters. The passage has an inlet diameter of 5-10mm and outlet diameter of 2-5mm, creating a controlled taper that reduces the force required for dispensing while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The frusto-pyramidal passage incorporates curved surfaces instead of sharp angles, with the lateral surfaces forming a smooth taper from inlet to outlet. This curvature allows for more gradual pressure distribution and reduces the peak hand pressure required while maintaining product control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If high hand pressure is applied, then dispensing rate increases, but accuracy decreases and container splitting risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing rateVSAvoiddispensing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle passage dimensions are optimized with specific ratios between inlet and outlet diameters, creating a controlled flow path that maintains dispensing rate while improving accuracy through reduced pressure requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle passage is segmented into distinct zones: an inlet section, a frusto-pyramidal tapering section, and an outlet section. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, with the tapering section controlling the transition and flow characteristics to balance rate and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the nozzle outlet is large, then dispensing rate increases, but ribboning occurs and flow control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing rateVSAvoidflow control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet diameter is precisely controlled within 2-5mm, and the frusto-pyramidal passage geometry is optimized to create appropriate flow characteristics. This parameter optimization maintains dispensing rate while preventing ribboning and ensuring proper flow control of the semi-solid product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4678556A1nozzle

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 HALEON UK IP LTD

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Figure 2(a)
Figure 2(b)~2(c)

AI summary

The present invention relates to nozzles for dispensing FMCG products from pliable containers by manual, hand pressure.