Priming Cap Structure for Accurate First-Dose Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing devices require multiple priming actuations to ensure a complete and precise first dose, which can be undesirable or dangerous, especially for certain fluid products like medicines, and existing caps do not allow for priming without removing the protective cap.
Innovation Solution
A priming cap that retains dispensed fluid during actuations, featuring trapping means and a design that guides fluid away from the dispensing orifice, with transparent or translucent sides to monitor fluid levels and optional features like a one-directional valve or porous insert for absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the protective cap is removed to perform priming actuations, then the device can be primed, but the fluid product is partially dispensed which is undesirable or dangerous for certain fluids like medicines
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into two functional parts: a protective cap portion and a priming cap portion. The protective cap can be removed or left in place, while the priming cap remains to guide fluid during priming actuations. This segmentation allows priming to occur with the protective cap still covering the dispensing orifice, preventing unwanted fluid dispensing while enabling necessary priming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The priming cap acts as an intermediary element between the dispensing orifice and the external environment. It provides an alternative pathway for fluid to escape during priming actuations, redirecting fluid away from the dispensing orifice while maintaining the protective cap's closure. This intermediary structure enables priming without compromising the protective function.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple priming actuations are performed, then complete dosing is ensured, but time is lost and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The priming cap is pre-configured with internal structures (such as absorption materials or fluid redirection pathways) that facilitate efficient priming actuations. By having the priming mechanism ready in place from the start, users can perform priming quickly and efficiently without needing to remove the protective cap or undergo complex procedures, thereby reducing the time penalty associated with ensuring complete dosing.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple cap design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the cap cannot retain fluid during priming actuations
Solution Approach 1:
The priming cap incorporates porous absorption materials within its structure. These porous elements can absorb and retain fluid during priming actuations, preventing fluid from escaping through the dispensing orifice. The porous materials are integrated into the cap in a cost-effective manner, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while adding the necessary fluid retention functionality to ensure reliable operation.
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 complete priming without partial dispensing, ensuring a precise first dose while maintaining cap closure, reducing waste and user inconvenience.
Implementation Method 1
said upper axial wall comprises an internal profile, in particular dome-shaped, adapted to guide the fluid exiting from said dispensing orifice to the sides to avoid it directly returning onto said dispensing orifice
Implementation Method 2
said insert is porous, and can absorb the fluid dispensed during priming actuations
Implementation Method 3
said one-directional valve comprising a membrane provided with a slot which opens when the fluid is dispensed through said dispensing orifice during priming actuations
Data Source
AI summary
Priming cap intended to cover, in a closure position, a dispensing head of a device for dispensing fluid product, the dispensing head having an axial end wall provided with a dispensing orifice, the priming cap having a mechanism for trapping fluid in order, in the closure position, to receive and retain fluid that is dispensed through the dispensing orifice during actuations of priming the dispensing device.