Handheld Peristaltic Pump With Flexible Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld liquid dispensing devices, such as razors and toothbrushes, are often cumbersome and difficult to operate due to the size and complexity of peristaltic pumps, which require multiple parts, electrical power, and can cause wear and tear on the dispensing tubes, limiting portability and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a peristaltic pump that features a rotating actuator with nodes or nubs that form a pinch point with a flexible barrier to minimize friction and wear on the supply channel, allowing for controlled fluid dispensing without the need for multiple parts or electrical power, and includes a ratchet mechanism for unidirectional rotation and a spring for easy actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a peristaltic pump is used to dispense liquid from the handle, then fluid dispensing capability is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to operate due to the size and shape needed to accommodate the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pump is nested within the handle structure, with the rotor positioned inside the handle cavity and the peristaltic tube running through the handle. This nesting allows the pump to be accommodated within the existing handle volume without increasing the overall device size, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving fluid dispensing capability.
2Volume of moving object
If smaller peristaltic pumps with nodes or nubs on the rotor are used, then device size is reduced, but the nodes pull and tug on the tube transporting the liquid, causing displacement of the tube and wear and tear on the material of the tube
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible barrier is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotor nodes and the peristaltic tube. The barrier contacts the rotor nodes and transfers the compressive force to the tube without allowing the nodes to directly pull or tug on the tube. This intermediary structure prevents tube displacement and reduces wear and tear, thereby improving reliability while maintaining compact pump size.
3Ease of operation
If multiple parts are used in the peristaltic pump mechanism, then fluid dispensing function is achieved, but the device occupies valuable space in bathrooms and requires electrical power from a wall outlet
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components are merged into integrated structures: the rotor is integrated with the actuator mechanism, the peristaltic tube is integrated with the dispensing channel, and the pump mechanism is integrated within the handle cavity. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and eliminates the need for external electrical power sources, thereby improving portability while maintaining fluid dispensing function.
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 provides a compact, portable, and efficient fluid dispensing system that reduces wear and tear on the device, allowing for consistent and controlled fluid delivery while minimizing the risk of contamination and improving user comfort and control.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump positioned between the proximal end and the distal end of the handle. The peristaltic pump comprises a rotating actuator that is physically engaged with the supply channel and configured to transport fluid from the vicinity of the cavity to the product dispensing aperture when triggered.
Implementation Method 2
a spring attached to the peristaltic pump allowing it to return to its central axis after it has been moved within the channel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention features a hand held device that dispenses fluid during operation. The hand held device includes a handle and a device head operably engaged thereto. The handle has a proximal end forming a product dispensing aperture, a distal end forming a cavity for housing a fluid, a supply channel in fluid communication with the cavity and the product dispensing aperture, a peristaltic pump physically engaged with the supply channel, and a flexible barrier that rests between the peristaltic pump and the supply channel preventing direct contact of the supply channel by the peristaltic pump. Actuation of the peristaltic pump displaces fluid from the cavity to the product dispensing aperture.