Plastic Spring Actuator Sealing in Pen Dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pen dispensers rely on metal springs, which may not be adequately replaced by alternative materials to ensure efficient fluid dispensing and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A pen dispenser design utilizing a plastic spring actuator with a plastic button and retainer, featuring channels on the valve housing for fluid flow control, allowing the actuator to seal and unseal the valve to manage fluid dispensing around a plastic applicator nib.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a metal spring is used in the pen dispenser, then the sealing and actuation function is achieved, but the device cannot be made fully plastic and may have compatibility issues with plastic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the spring from metal to plastic, specifically using a plastic spring actuator that is compatible with other plastic components in the dispenser. This allows the entire device to be made of plastic while maintaining the necessary mechanical functionality for sealing and actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the plastic spring actuator integrates multiple functional elements (spring mechanism, button, retainer) into a single plastic component. This composite approach enables full plastic construction while achieving the required mechanical properties for valve control and sealing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a plastic spring actuator is used instead of metal spring, then full plastic construction is achieved, but the sealing reliability and actuation efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the plastic spring actuator with specific geometric features and material properties at critical sealing locations. The actuator includes a sealing surface and engagement features that are optimized locally to ensure reliable sealing and actuation, while the rest of the component maintains overall plastic construction benefits.
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 plastic spring actuator effectively seals and opens the valve to control fluid flow, providing a reliable and efficient dispensing mechanism that replaces metal springs, ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a plastic spring actuator having a plastic button
Data Source
AI summary
A pen dispenser is provided with a tube having an open top for holding a fluid to be dispensed. A valve housing made of plastic and having channels on an inner wall is also provided. There is also an applicator nib made of plastic, along with a plastic spring actuator having a plastic button, and a button retainer. In a closed position the plastic spring actuator is sealingly engaged to the valve housing blocking the flow of fluid out around the applicator nib, and in the open position, the plastic spring actuator is depressed so it is no longer sealingly engaged to the valve housing, allowing the fluid to flow through the channels on the inner wall and exit the dispenser around the applicator nib.