Pen-Shaped Liquid Dose Dispenser With Lead Screw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid dispensing technologies fail to accurately and reproducibly deliver small volumes of liquids, such as less than 1 milliliter, in diverse applications like pharmaceuticals, molecular biology, and food processing, requiring a portable, effective, and economical solution for precise micro-volume liquid handling.
Innovation Solution
A pen-shaped controlled liquid dose dispenser with a reservoir, textured grip, lead screw mechanism, cam, nut, and spring system, along with a non-return valve, allowing for precise dispensing of 0.01 ml to 2 ml of liquids or semi-liquids, featuring a cap that activates the dispensing system and provides a hygienic, directional delivery mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional liquid dispensing technologies are used, then dispensing capability is provided, but accuracy and reproducibility for small volumes less than 1 milliliter is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser divides the liquid dispensing function into separate components: a reservoir for liquid storage, a lead screw mechanism for precise plunger control, and a tip for controlled delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling accurate dispensing of small volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger is pre-positioned within the reservoir using the lead screw mechanism before dispensing begins. The user can advance the plunger to the desired position in advance, ensuring precise control over the liquid volume to be dispensed. This preliminary positioning action enables accurate measurement and delivery of small liquid volumes.
2Ease of operation
If a portable dispenser is designed, then ease of carrying is improved, but dispensing precision and control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser employs a nested structure where the plunger is housed within the reservoir, and the lead screw mechanism is integrated into the pen body. The cap serves dual purposes as both a protective cover and a component of the dispensing mechanism. This nesting achieves portability without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical lead screw mechanism is replaced with a simpler rotary dial or push-button interface for plunger control. This substitution maintains dispensing precision while significantly improving ease of operation and portability, making the device suitable for field use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cap assembly is added for hygienic delivery, then contamination is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly serves multiple functions: it protects the dispensing tip from contamination when not in use, acts as a component of the dispensing mechanism when activated, and can be removed for cleaning or replacement. This multi-functionality prevents contamination without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is merged with the dispensing mechanism such that the same component provides both protection and actuation functions. The cap's engagement with the body simultaneously seals the tip and positions the plunger for dispensing, combining multiple protective and functional elements into 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
Enables accurate and hygienic dispensing of small liquid volumes in various applications, including pharmaceutical and food industries, with a disposable design that ensures reliable and controlled delivery of precise doses.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw mechanism, cam, nut, and spring system
Implementation Method 2
The dispenser comprises a cam, nut, and a spring element present in the mid assembly. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the spring aids in retraction of the structure to the normal position.
Implementation Method 3
the said dispenser comprises a non-return valve (not shown), for allowing liquid from the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention, a liquid dose dispenser 100 is disclosed. The dispenser 100 comprises a main body having a front assembly 138, a mid assembly 148 and a rear assembly 140. The dispenser 100 comprises a reservoir (liquid container) 134, a liquid dispensing tip 136, a lead screw 130 for guiding the screw in the mid assembly 148. It also comprises a cam 126, a nut 128, and a spring element 132 wherein the spring element retracts the lead screw for controlled dispensing of the liquid. The said dispenser is used for dispensing required doses of liquids, solutions, viscous fluids for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food applications.