Parametric Multi-Component Dispenser with Bellows Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid dispensing devices face challenges in precision, repeatability, and ease of use, particularly when dealing with multiple fluid components and viscous materials, as they often require complex priming, lead to inaccuracies, and are prone to cross-contamination, limiting their applicability in artistic, cosmetic, and laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact, handheld fluid dispenser with a tactile control disc and key system that allows for simultaneous or sequential dispensing of multiple fluids, featuring a collapsible bellows mechanism, check valves, and interchangeable cartridges, enabling precise control over fluid ratios and volumes, and accommodating a wide range of viscosities without requiring pressurized containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fluid dispensing devices are used with multiple fluid components, then fluid mixing capability is achieved, but metering precision and repeatability deteriorate due to complex priming requirements and cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fluid delivery system into separate, dedicated channels for each fluid component, with individual metering mechanisms for each channel. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination and eliminates the need for complex priming procedures between different fluids, thereby maintaining metering precision while achieving multi-fluid mixing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a shared manifold with integrated check valves as an intermediary component that receives metered fluids from separate channels and combines them without causing backflow or cross-contamination. This intermediary structure enables precise metering of multiple fluids while maintaining system reliability and repeatability
2Ease of operation
If pressurized containers are used to store fluids, then fluid delivery is simplified, but metering accuracy deteriorates due to quasi stochastic ejection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces pressurized container ejection with a mechanical bellows-based positive displacement metering system. The bellows mechanism provides controlled, repeatable fluid delivery through mechanical compression and expansion, eliminating the stochastic nature of pressurized ejection while maintaining ease of operation through manual actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the fundamental parameter of fluid ejection from pressure-driven random discharge to mechanically-driven controlled displacement. By using bellows with specific compression ratios and check valves to control flow direction, the system achieves precise metering accuracy while maintaining simple manual operation
3Quantity of substance
If long fluid paths are used in dispensing devices, then fluid storage capacity is increased, but metering repeatability and responsiveness deteriorate due to priming delays and cross-contamination opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fluid path into short, dedicated channels for each fluid component with individual metering mechanisms positioned close to the fluid sources. This minimizes the length of each fluid path while maintaining adequate storage capacity through separate reservoirs, thereby eliminating priming delays and reducing cross-contamination opportunities
Solution Approach 2:
The shared manifold acts as a compact intermediary that collects metered fluids from short individual channels and directs them to the dispensing point. This intermediary structure enables adequate fluid capacity through efficient space utilization while maintaining short effective fluid paths that ensure rapid responsiveness and high metering repeatability
4Device complexity
If shared manifolds and nozzles are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cross-contamination risk and metering repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains separate, dedicated delivery channels and nozzle outlets for each fluid component throughout the system, from metering mechanisms to dispensing points. This segmentation eliminates cross-contamination risks while the integrated manifold design keeps the overall device complexity manageable through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The shared manifold with integrated check valves serves as a smart intermediary that enables fluid convergence without contamination. The check valves automatically prevent backflow between channels, maintaining metering repeatability while the shared manifold structure reduces device complexity by consolidating fluid convergence in a single integrated component
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 simplifies the process of creating complex mixtures by allowing iterative adjustments of fluid ratios and volumes, enhances precision and repeatability, and reduces the need for bulky equipment, making it suitable for artistic applications and laboratory assays while maintaining ease of use and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first bellows and a second bellows, respectively, having internal volumes that are compressible
Implementation Method 2
a first check valve and a second check valve, respectively, in fluid communication with the internal volumes of the first and second bellows
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing device which enables one or two fluid mixture components to be selectively or simultaneously dispensed via manually operable selection and actuation means. A dispenser which incorporates a body, one or more fluid storage and delivery channels, a selection and actuation means operable to cause the release of a quantity of a one or more stored fluid, and a base or work station adapted for upright storage, refilling, and use of the said dispenser, are disclosed herein. One or more said fluid storage and delivery channels may be engaged by said control means in order to eject one or more fluids. The said dispenser includes a ratio-metric scale system which permits ratio based selection of two fluids for ejection in a first mode of operation, and permits selection of a particular volume of a fluid for ejection in a second mode of operation.