Precision Liquid Applicator Valve Stop Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid applicator devices are unable to precisely dispense liquids onto very small surfaces without spreading the liquid to adjacent areas, limiting their effectiveness in applications such as repairing small scratches on painted surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A precision liquid applicator with a closure, valve, and biasing spring system that creates a controlled annular passageway between the applicator tip and the container orifice, allowing for precise dispensing of liquids onto small areas by controlling the cross-sectional area of the passageway through a valve stop mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional liquid applicator is used to dispense liquid onto a small surface, then the applicator can deliver liquid, but the liquid spreads to adjacent areas instead of remaining confined to the small target area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing precisionVSAvoidliquid spillage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a controlled flow regime at the specific location of the scratch defect. The valve mechanism and applicator tip geometry are designed to concentrate liquid flow precisely at the defect site, while the surrounding areas receive no liquid. This is achieved through the interaction between the valve opening and the applicator tip recess, which creates a localized delivery zone that prevents spillage to adjacent regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the applicator tip is designed to contact the surface for precise delivery, then dispensing accuracy improves, but the valve mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication accuracyVSAvoidvalve mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the valve mechanism and applicator tip into a single integrated assembly. The valve element, valve seat, and applicator tip recess form a unified structure where the valve opening directly controls liquid flow to the tip. This integration eliminates the need for separate valve and applicator components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining precise control. The spring-loaded valve element works in conjunction with the tip geometry to achieve accurate liquid delivery without requiring complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 application of liquids to small areas with minimal spillage to adjacent regions, improving repair accuracy and efficiency on surfaces like painted scratches.

Implementation Method 1

A biasing spring is provided to urge the valve seal of the valve into engagement with the sealing seat of the closure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A depression of the precision applicator tip onto the scratch of the paint surface displaces the valve seal from the sealing surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentEP2825393B1Precision liquid applicator
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 FLOCON INC
  • EP2825393B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2825393B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP2825393B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

A precision liquid applicator is disclosed for dispensing an applicator liquid from a container onto a surface. The precision liquid applicator comprises a closure defining a terminal orifice and a valve seat. A valve comprises a precision applicator tip extending through the terminal orifice and comprises a valve seal for sealing with the valve seat. A depression of the precision applicator tip onto the surface displaces the valve seal from the sealing surface for providing an annular passageway between the precision applicator tip and the terminal orifice to enable the flow of the applicator liquid onto the surface. A valve stop cooperates with a stop wall for limiting movement of the valve to control a cross-sectional area of the passageway.