Rotatable Disc Closure for Selectable Viscous Material Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for viscous materials lack the ability to easily switch between multiple discharge openings of different cross-sections, limiting their versatility and play value, especially in food products intended for children.
Innovation Solution
A squeezable container with a rotatable disc closure that aligns flow channels with various discharge openings, allowing for selection of different configurations and easy assembly from fabricated components, featuring a central post, circular disc, and threaded neck for versatile dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dispenser provides only a single discharge opening, then the structure is simple, but the versatility and play value are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is segmented into multiple functional components: a rotatable disc with multiple discharge openings of different cross-sections, flow channels connecting the post to each opening, and a selection mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to serve a specific function while collectively providing versatile dispensing options without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure incorporates a rotatable disc that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions, allowing the user to select among multiple discharge openings. This dynamic element transforms a static single-opening closure into a versatile multi-configuration system that adapts to different dispensing needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dispenser provides multiple discharge openings, then the versatility is improved, but the ease of operation for switching between openings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable disc provides a simple dynamic mechanism for switching between discharge openings. By rotating the disc to different angular positions, the user can easily align the desired flow channel with the discharge passage in the post, making the switching operation intuitive and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure design allows the user to independently select and switch between different discharge configurations without requiring external tools or complex mechanisms. The rotatable disc is directly operable by the user, providing self-service functionality for configuring the dispensing pattern.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dispenser provides multiple discharge openings with different cross-sections, then the play value is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discharge openings of different cross-sections are merged into a single rotatable disc component. This consolidation allows various opening configurations to be accessed through one mechanism rather than requiring separate closures or complex assembly structures, thereby enhancing versatility while controlling overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable disc serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the closure, contains the selection mechanism, houses multiple discharge openings of different cross-sections, and provides the rotating movement for switching between configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser for dispensing a viscous material in a selected one of a multiplicity of configurations comprises a container having a squeezable body and neck with a discharge opening at its upper end. Engaged with the container is a closure body of generally circular cross section with a top wall and skirt. The top wall has a post with a discharge passage therethrough aligned with the neck discharge opening. A generally circular rotating disc is rotatably disposed on the closure body top wall and has a central hub seating said post. The post has an aperture alignable with the hub discharge passage for passage of viscous material therethrough. The disc has a multiplicity of flow openings spaced about the disc in a circular array and represents a multiplicity of configurations. The disc also has a multiplicity of flow channels extending from the post to the flow openings of the disc, and it is rotatable to align the flow channel of the selected flow opening with the aperture in the post to permit viscous material to flow through the neck and top wall of the closure body into the post and outwardly in flow channels to a selected disc discharge opening.