Resilient Diaphragm Dispensing Device for Viscous Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for flowable substances lack precise control over volume and velocity, often resulting in variable slug sizes and potential dripping, especially when dealing with concentrated or viscous fluids.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a resilient diaphragm with a convex ready position and concave dispensing position, allowing for manual operation to dispense slugs of predetermined volume with high velocity and distance, equipped with a snap-back mechanism to minimize dripping and enable rapid reuse, and optionally featuring a localised reservoir and one-way valve for consistent pressure and sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional pump or squeezing mechanism is used to dispense flowable substance, then the substance can be dispensed from the container, but the volume and velocity of dispensing cannot be precisely controlled, resulting in variable slug sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is designed as a resilient, deformable component that transitions between a convex ready position and a concave dispensing position. This dynamic deformation allows precise control over the volume of substance dispensed with each actuation, while the resilience enables rapid return to ready position for consistent repeatability
Solution Approach 2:
The device controls dispensing parameters by changing the physical state and position of the diaphragm. The diaphragm's deformation degree, return speed, and positioning are optimized to deliver consistent slug volumes with high velocity, transforming manual actuation into precise volumetric control
2Productivity
If the dispensing mechanism operates slowly or lacks rapid reset capability, then operation is simple, but productivity is reduced due to inability to dispense multiple slugs rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient diaphragm enables periodic actuation with rapid reset. Each depression cycle dispenses a slug, and the diaphragm's elasticity automatically returns it to ready position, creating a repeatable periodic action that allows rapid successive dispensing without complex reset mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm is self-resetting through its resilient properties. After being depressed to dispense a slug, it automatically returns to its convex ready position without external intervention, enabling continuous rapid operation while maintaining simplicity
3Reliability
If the diaphragm does not return quickly to ready position, then manufacturing is simpler, but dripping occurs and consistency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient diaphragm is designed with appropriate durometer and thickness to provide sufficient return force. This pre-engineered resilience ensures the diaphragm snaps back quickly enough to prevent dripping and maintain consistency, with the return characteristics built into the component design itself
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm's physical parameters (durometer 30-70 Shore A, thickness 0.5-5mm) are optimized to achieve the required return speed. These parameter selections balance resilience for quick reset with manufacturability, providing consistent performance across production
4Speed
If the device is designed for high velocity dispensing, then slug delivery is improved, but the structure becomes more complex requiring precise diaphragm positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm's dynamic deformation from convex to concave position creates rapid pressure changes that propel slugs at high velocity. The resilient nature enables quick energy transfer to the substance, achieving high speed dispensing through controlled elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The thin, flexible diaphragm film (0.5-5mm thickness) deforms rapidly under actuation, creating the pressure differential needed for high velocity dispensing. The film's flexibility allows quick response and energy transfer, achieving high speed with simple structure
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
The device provides close control over slug volume and velocity, reduces dripping, and is suitable for both viscous and less viscous substances, ensuring consistent dispensing with minimal variation, even when the fluid level decreases, making it suitable for various applications including household and personal care products.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient diaphragm (130) having a convex ready position and a concave dispensing position. In use, the diaphragm (130) is operable to deform from the convex ready position to the concave dispensing position to cause a slug of the flowable substance to be dispensed
Implementation Method 2
Being resilient, the diaphragm may return to the convex ready position when the diaphragm is no longer being depressed. The diaphragm may return to the convex ready position very quickly, e.g. substantially instantaneously, once it is no longer being depressed. The diaphragm may snap back from the concave dispensing position to the convex ready position
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (1) for controlled dispensing of a flowable substance comprising a chamber defined by at least one wall and having an outlet, wherein a portion of the at least one wall comprises a resilient diaphragm (5) operable to dispense a slug of the flowable substance from the chamber through the outlet.