Reciprocating Piston Fluid Dispenser for Viscous Skin Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid dispensers for skin applications are inefficient for viscous fluids, require repetitive and uncomfortable operation, and cannot be used in inverted positions, leading to messy and uneven application.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held fluid dispensing apparatus with a resilient liner and a reciprocating piston mechanism that generates continuous negative pressure to draw fluid from a collapsible liner, allowing for efficient dispensing of viscous fluids on the skin without the need for inversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional porous roller applicators are used, then less viscous fluids can be dispensed, but viscous fluids cannot be effectively applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid viscosity rangeVSAvoidfluid transfer effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive porous absorption mechanism with an active pump-driven fluid transfer system. The pump assembly with piston and diaphragm actively pumps fluid from the container through a transfer tube to the applicator head, enabling reliable delivery of viscous fluids that cannot pass through porous materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional squeezable containers are used, then fluid can be delivered to the applicator, but repetitive and uncomfortable pumping is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational comfortVSAvoidtime for fluid transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fluid storage container and the pump mechanism into an integrated unit. The flexible container walls themselves serve as the pump diaphragm, eliminating the need for separate manual pumping actions. Squeezing the container directly drives fluid transfer through the integrated pump system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is designed to be self-pumping through its flexible walls. When the user squeezes the container, the deformation of the container walls directly actuates the pump mechanism, causing fluid to be automatically drawn from the container and delivered to the applicator without requiring separate pumping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional bottled lotion containers are used, then fluid storage is simple, but messy and non-uniform application occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer simplicityVSAvoidapplication uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a fluid transfer tube as an intermediary between the container and the applicator head. This tube delivers a controlled amount of fluid to the applicator, which then applies it uniformly to the skin. The pump mechanism meters the fluid transfer, preventing overspill and ensuring uniform application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional applicators are used, then fluid can be dispensed in upright position, but inverted operation is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating positionVSAvoidfluid contact maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces gravity-dependent fluid delivery with an active pump system. The pump assembly with piston and diaphragm actively draws fluid from the container through the transfer tube regardless of orientation, enabling reliable operation in any position including inverted use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 faster, less messy, and more effective fluid application on the skin, accommodating viscous fluids and allowing operation in any position, reducing user discomfort and improving uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

Each movement of the actuator in the second direction generates continuous negative pressure within the liner for drawing fluid through the fluid transfer mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a resilient liner adapted to hold the fluid, the liner configured to be at least partially disposed in the interior of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9907384B2Apparatus and method for dispensing a fluid

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 BLOKROK

AI summary

An apparatus for dispensing a fluid comprises a housing and a resilient liner adapted to hold the fluid disposed in the housing. A fluid transfer mechanism is in fluid communication between the liner and an applicator assembly mounted on the housing for dispensing the fluid on the skin of the user. The applicator assembly includes an actuator movable relative to the housing so as to activate the fluid transfer mechanism when the actuator is reciprocated. A fluid delivery element is held in contact against skin of a user for applying the fluid onto the skin. The fluid delivery element is supported on the actuator to be movable together with the actuator by varying contact pressure with the skin. Each movement of the actuator generates continuous negative pressure within the liner for drawing fluid through the fluid transfer mechanism and collapsing the liner.