Nozzle Insert Surface Geometry for Liquid Dispenser Drip Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid dispensers, especially foam dispensers, experience significant dripping issues after use due to the low viscosity of the liquid, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an anti-drip device with increased surface area inner walls in the nozzle, featuring various configurations such as cruciform patterns, porous members, and honeycomb patterns to enhance the liquid's clinging ability, reducing post-use drips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the liquid viscosity is reduced to enable foam dispensing, then the dispensing performance is improved, but the dripping after use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle internal surface is segmented into multiple protrusions that create distinct liquid holding zones. Each protrusion acts as an independent liquid reservoir, segmenting the liquid flow path and providing multiple attachment points for the liquid, thereby reducing post-dispensing drips while maintaining low viscosity for good dispensing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The internal surface of the nozzle is modified with localized protrusions that create regions of increased surface area and altered flow characteristics. These localized structural changes provide specific zones where liquid can adhere and be retained, while the rest of the nozzle maintains its original smooth surface for efficient liquid flow during dispensing
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the nozzle surface area is increased to reduce dripping, then the liquid adhesion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates a porous insert material that provides increased internal surface area through its porous structure. The porous nature creates numerous small channels and surfaces that liquid can adhere to, significantly reducing dripping without requiring complex external nozzle geometry changes
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the external nozzle shape to increase surface area, the invention inverts the approach by modifying the internal nozzle surface with protrusions or porous material. This internal modification achieves the same dripping reduction effect while maintaining a simple external nozzle structure
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 anti-drip device effectively minimizes dripping by providing a larger surface area for the liquid to adhere to, making it suitable for both upright and inverted dispensers and adaptable to different viscosities and dispenser types.
Implementation Method 1
The anti-drip device provides a larger surface area for the liquid to adhere to
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Ah anti-drip device (12) is for use in association with a liquid dispenser having a nozzle (10). The anti-drip device (12) is adapted to fit into the nozzle (10). The device has an outer cross sectional dimension, an inner cross sectional dimension and an inner surface. The anti-drip device (12) provides a zone in the nozzle (10) with increased surface area.