Reversible Elastomer Plug for Needle-Free Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid product dispensing devices with metal needles are expensive, complicate recycling, and risk contaminating the product with elastomer particles.
Innovation Solution
A fluid product dispensing device with a symmetrical, reversible plug made of elastomer that elastically deforms to open and close a passage, eliminating the need for a metal needle and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal needle is used to pierce the plug during actuation, then the device can reliably dispense the fluid product, but the device becomes more expensive and recycling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the metal needle component from the dispensing system. Instead of using a needle to pierce the plug, the system uses a plug with an elastically deformable internal part that can be deformed by actuation forces to open the passage. This removal of the metal needle component directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining dispensing functionality while eliminating the complexity and cost associated with metal parts and their recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable plug component made of elastomer with an elastically deformable internal part. This plug is designed to be used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for expensive metal needles that require recycling. The elastomer plug provides reliable dispensing through its elastic deformation mechanism while being inexpensive and easy to dispose of, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a metal needle is used to pierce the plug, then the passage can be opened, but elastomer particles detach and contaminate the fluid product
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable elastomer plug with an elastically deformable internal part that is designed to be deformed and discarded after single use. This eliminates the contamination problem associated with metal needles by avoiding the mechanical piercing action that causes elastomer particle detachment. The plug opens the passage through elastic deformation rather than mechanical puncture, preventing particle generation and fluid contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical piercing action of a metal needle with an elastic deformation mechanism. The elastically deformable internal part of the plug responds to actuation forces by deforming elastically to open the passage, rather than being mechanically punctured. This substitution of the opening mechanism eliminates the harmful effect of elastomer particle detachment and fluid contamination.
3Ease of manufacture
If a symmetrical and reversible plug is used, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the plug must reliably deform and return to close the passage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a plug with an elastically deformable internal part that has specific asymmetric features designed for reliable deformation and return. The internal part includes deformation zones with specific geometries that facilitate controlled elastic deformation in the asymmetric loading condition during actuation, while ensuring reliable return to the closed position. This controlled asymmetry in the deformation mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling both manufacturing simplicity and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the elastomer material, specifically its elastic properties, to achieve reliable deformation and return. The elastically deformable internal part is designed with specific elastomeric properties that allow it to deform under actuation forces and reliably return to its original shape to close the passage. This use of material parameter changes resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and sealing reliability.
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 solution reduces contamination, simplifies manufacturing and assembly, and avoids elastomer particles in the dispensed fluid, enhancing spray reproducibility and reducing oxidation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable internal part which, when pressure is applied on one axial side of the plug or the other, deforms to open a passage, and which, when said pressure ceases, returns elastically into its rest position in which it closes off said passage
Implementation Method 2
said external sealing part includes at least one peripheral bead that provides sealing against an internal side wall of said reservoir
Implementation Method 3
said plug rising up in said reservoir under the effect of the hydraulic pressure of the fluid product
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dispensing a fluid product, including a body, a reservoir containing one or two doses of a fluid product, the reservoir including a plug which closes off the reservoir in a sealed manner before actuation, a dispensing head provided with a dispensing orifice, and dispensing mechanism for dispensing the fluid product through the dispensing orifice during actuation. The plug is symmetrical and reversible and has an internal portion elastically deformable and, when pressure is applied on one axial side of the plug or the other, deforms in order to open a passage and, when this pressure is released, returns elastically into its resting position in which it closes off the aforementioned passage.