Pediatric Dosing Dispenser Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing dispensers for bottles lack a reliable mechanism to prevent unwanted fluid discharge when a syringe is not inserted, leading to inefficiencies and potential spills.
Innovation Solution
A dosing dispenser with a valve assembly featuring a tapered elastic wall and slit mechanism that remains closed unless the syringe's fluid-transfer tip is inserted, allowing fluid flow only when the syringe is present, and automatically sealing when removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dosing dispenser is designed without a valve assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but unwanted fluid discharge occurs when a syringe is not inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic wall with a slit that acts as a flexible closure mechanism. This elastic component can deform to open the slit when a syringe is inserted and return to its original shape to close the slit when the syringe is removed, providing automatic fluid flow control without complex mechanical valves
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly operates automatically based on the presence or absence of a syringe. The elastic wall's deformation and recovery are driven by the mechanical interaction with the syringe itself, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms or additional actuation systems
2Reliability
If a valve assembly with tapered elastic wall is added to prevent fluid discharge, then fluid flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered elastic wall forms a flexible membrane structure that integrates the valve function into a single deformable component. The taper geometry provides the necessary mechanical advantage for the slit to open and close reliably in response to syringe insertion and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly merges multiple functions into a compact structure: the elastic wall serves as both the sealing element and the actuation mechanism, while the slit provides both the fluid passage and the visual indicator of valve status. This integration reduces the number of separate components needed
3Extent of automation
If the elastic wall slit mechanism is used, then automatic sealing when syringe is removed is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered geometry of the elastic wall is designed with specific dimensional parameters that determine the force required to open the slit and the force required to close it. By carefully selecting these parameters, the valve can be made to respond reliably to the mechanical interaction with a standard syringe without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic nature of the wall material provides inherent compliance that compensates for manufacturing variations. The material's elasticity allows the slit to open and close reliably even with moderate tolerances in the tapered geometry, as the elastic deformation adapts to slight dimensional variations
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 solution effectively prevents fluid discharge when the syringe is not in use, ensuring efficient and spill-free dosing by allowing fluid flow only when the syringe is inserted and sealing when it is removed.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic wall is adapted to maintain the slit in a closed position to prevent unwanted fluid flow from the container
Implementation Method 2
Inserting the fluid-transfer tip of the syringe into the syringe receiver causes outward movement of the elastic wall to cause the slit to open to permit fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A package that is configured to store and dispense fluids. The package includes a container and a dosing dispenser for closing an opening to the container. The dosing dispenser includes a body portion having a syringe receiver and a valve assembly that is configured to permit the flow of fluid from the container to the syringe.