Powder Dispensing Applicator With Deformable Bellows Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder dispensing applicators often require external pressurized gas sources and lack the ability to deliver precise, repeatable dosages of powder, especially for pharmaceutical applications.
Innovation Solution
A powder dispensing applicator with a deformable gas-containing actuation element that builds pressure internally by changing volume, using a plug mechanism to create a pressure differential for a pressurized burst of powder, allowing for single or multiple dosages without an external gas source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If external pressurized gas sources are used for powder dispensing, then powder can be delivered with sufficient pressure, but the device complexity increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows actuator serves itself by drawing ambient gas into its expanded volume, eliminating the need for external gas sources. The system uses its own structural components (bellows, cavity, plug) to generate the pressure differential needed for powder dispensing, making the device self-contained and portable
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by utilizing gas compression and expansion in the bellows actuator to generate pressure differential. The expandable bellows creates volume change that drives gas flow through the powder, enabling pressure-based powder delivery without mechanical pumps or external gas cylinders
2Ease of operation
If membranes are penetrated for powder release, then powder can be dispensed, but the mechanism becomes complex and disposable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex membrane penetration mechanism from the system and replaces it with a simpler plug-based valve system. The plug can be linearly moved to open or close the outlet opening, eliminating the need for membrane rupture mechanisms while maintaining effective powder release control
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a consumable membrane that ruptures to release powder, the invention uses a reusable plug that moves back and forth to control the outlet. This inverts the approach from single-use membrane rupture to multi-use mechanical valve operation
3Manufacturing precision
If powder is dispensed without pressure differential, then the mechanism is simple, but powder delivery precision and consistency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows actuator preliminarily expands to create a pressure differential before the plug moves to open the outlet. This pre-compression of gas ensures that when powder is released, it is delivered with consistent pressure and precision, rather than relying on simple gravity or manual squeezing
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure provides visual and tactile feedback to the user about the pressure buildup state. As the bellows expands and compresses gas, the user can observe the volume change, providing feedback that ensures consistent powder delivery across multiple doses
4Productivity
If all powder is dispensed at once, then the mechanism is simple, but repeated dosage application is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The plug moves periodically between open and closed positions, enabling repeated dosage dispensing. After each powder delivery, the plug closes the outlet opening and the bellows resets, preparing for the next dose. This periodic operation allows the same powder reservoir to deliver multiple precise doses sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is made movable between fixed positions rather than being fixed in one state. This dynamic element allows the outlet to be opened only when needed for powder delivery, then closed to maintain pressure and prepare for the next dose, enabling versatile repeated dosing
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 precise and consistent powder application with the ability to deliver single or multiple dosages in a pressurized burst, improving user intuitiveness and powder utilization efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator comprising a deformable actuation element configured to contain a gas therein and to be brought from its initial state, in which it has a maximal operational volume, into a final state in which it has a minimal operational volume, via an intermediate state, in which it has an intermediate operational volume smaller than the maximal volume, for building up pressure in the applicator
Implementation Method 2
a plug configured to obstruct the outlet opening for keeping it in the closed state until the plug is operated by the actuator to bring the outlet opening into the open state when the actuation element is brought from the intermediate state into the final state, to create a flow of the gas generated due to a pressure differential between that within the applicator and that at its exterior, for propelling therewith at least a portion of the powder out of the outlet opening in a pressurized burst
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an applicator for the dispensing of a powder such as a pharmaceutical powder, on a target location. Also, provided are methods of applying a powder on a surface using the applicator.