Priming Cap Structure for Leak-Free Nasal Spray Priming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid dispensing devices, particularly nasal sprays, require multiple priming actuations to ensure a complete and accurate first dose, which can be undesirable or dangerous, especially for medications, and existing priming methods involve removing the protective cap, risking fluid loss and contamination.

Innovation Solution

A priming cap with fluid trapping means that retains fluid during priming actuations, allowing the device to be primed without removing the cap, featuring a transparent or translucent side wall and a priming indicator to ensure complete priming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the protective cap is removed to allow priming actuations, then the device can be primed properly, but fluid loss and contamination risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepriming operationVSAvoidfluid protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The priming cap is nested inside the protective cap, allowing the priming cap to be accessed and used for priming actuations while the protective cap remains in place to seal and protect the distribution orifice. This nested arrangement enables both functions to coexist without compromising fluid protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap system is segmented into two separate caps: a protective cap for sealing and protecting the distribution orifice, and a priming cap for receiving and retaining fluid during priming actuations. This segmentation allows each cap to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple priming actuations are performed, then complete dosing is achieved, but fluid product is partially dispensed and wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidfluid product loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The priming cap converts the harmful effect of fluid loss during priming into a beneficial outcome by capturing and retaining the dispensed fluid. The fluid that would otherwise be wasted is now stored in the priming cap's internal cavity, preventing loss and allowing the device to be primed without compromising product quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional removable cover is used, then the distribution orifice is protected, but priming requires cap removal and complex操作流程

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination protectionVSAvoidpriming procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The priming cap serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover for the distribution orifice, a receptacle for capturing fluid during priming actuations, and a seal to prevent contamination. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system design and reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient and safe priming of fluid dispensing devices by retaining fluid during priming, ensuring a complete dose without leakage or contamination, and providing a visual confirmation of readiness for use.

Implementation Method 1

said side wall being at least partially transparent or translucent to allow the fluid contained in said trapping space to be seen after priming actuations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransparency/Translucency:

Data Source

PatentEP4426499B1Priming cap for a device for dispensing a fluid product
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP4426499B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

Priming cap (10) intended to cover, in a closure position, a dispensing head (4) of a device for dispensing fluid product, the dispensing head (4) comprising an axial end wall provided with a dispensing orifice (6), the priming cap (10) comprising means for trapping fluid (20; 30) in order, in the closure position, to receive and retain fluid that is dispensed through the dispensing orifice (6) during actuations of priming the dispensing device.