Spring-Triggered Particulate Tube Release With Securement Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new and exciting prank devices that can surprise unsuspecting users with a particulate dispensing effect, as traditional prank devices are limited in variety and novelty.
Innovation Solution
A particulate dispensing device featuring an elongated tube with a moveable rod and piston mechanism, where a spring-loaded piston is secured by a stopper engaging securement tabs, allowing for the dispensing of particulates like confetti upon removal of a top lid, leveraging simple and inexpensive components such as plastics through 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prank devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the novelty and excitement for users is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a particulate container, a spring-loaded piston mechanism, a trigger system, and a dispensing opening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity, enabling novel functionality without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed and the piston is pre-positioned during device assembly, storing potential energy in advance. When the trigger is activated, the pre-compressed spring immediately propels the piston to dispense particulates, creating a surprising and novel effect without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spring-loaded piston mechanism is used, then the particulate dispensing effect is exciting and unexpected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded piston mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple trigger system. When the trigger is released, the pre-compressed spring automatically propels the piston forward to dispense particulates without requiring external power sources, motors, or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving exciting effects
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed during device assembly, storing potential energy in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time energy generation or control mechanisms, allowing the piston to be propelled instantly when triggered, creating an exciting and unexpected particulate dispensing effect with minimal 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
Provides a simple, compact, and cost-effective means to surprise users with a particulate dispensing effect, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism for an exciting and unexpected confetti shower.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is located inside the bore of the tube and is biased toward the top of the piston
Implementation Method 2
The indicator is formed from an elastomeric material and has a generally frustoconical shape with a small end and a large end. The indicator is resiliently engaged with the rod such that axial movement of the rod deforms the indicator
Data Source
AI summary
A particulate dispensing device includes a tube. A base is located in the tube near a bottom end. A rod is axially moveable in the tube. The rod has an annular stopper. A plurality of radially moveable securement tabs are coupled to the base. A piston is slideable along the rod. The piston has a lower end that has an annular recess. A spring biases the piston upwardly. In a stored position, the rod is pressed downwardly with a top lid such that the stopper moves the securement tabs into the annular recess to secure the piston. A top lid is removable to permit movement of the stopper of the rod away from the securement tabs to remove the securement tabs from the annular recess to permit the piston to move via the spring to project a particulate from the tube.