Rotating Disk Metering Closure for Consistent Powder Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metering and dispensing systems for powders are inefficient due to inconsistent feed-rates and limited powder formulations, particularly for hygroscopic materials and those requiring high caustic concentrations, which restrict the use of more potent detergent powders and result in significant powder wastage.
Innovation Solution
A metering and dispensing closure with a cap and two movable members, where the movement of these members is sequenced to ensure consistent dispensing, incorporating rotatable disks that rotate to block and unblock an aperture, allowing precise and repeatable dosing, and a drive mechanism to rotate the disks for effective powder dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a water spray and screen approach is used for powder dispensing, then the system can handle a wide range of powder formulations, but the feed-rate becomes inconsistent and variable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water spray mechanical system with a controlled rotational disk system that uses mechanical metering through precisely engineered apertures and passages. This substitution eliminates the inherent feed-rate variability of spray systems while maintaining versatility through programmable rotation patterns and multiple aperture configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of powder delivery from spray-based fluid dynamics to rotation-based mechanical metering. By controlling rotation speed, aperture size, and passage geometry, the system achieves consistent feed-rates across different powder formulations, resolving the contradiction between versatility and precision.
2Device complexity
If a rotatable metering disk with stationary feed pieces is used, then the dispensing mechanism is simple, but no internal stirring action occurs and significant powder remains in the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the metering function and stirring function into a single integrated rotatable disk assembly. The disk simultaneously meters powder through its apertures and stirs container contents through its rotation, eliminating the need for separate stationary feed pieces and ensuring complete powder utilization without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable disk serves multiple functions: it acts as a metering element with controlled apertures, a stirring element that agitates container contents, and a transport element that moves powder from the container through the cap to the dispensing point. This multi-functionality eliminates powder waste while maintaining simple device architecture.
3Productivity
If the aperture in the cap is continuously open for powder flow, then dispensing is fast, but moisture can enter and affect hygroscopic powder materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic opening and closing of the aperture through rotation of the first and second movable members. The aperture opens only during the brief moment when powder needs to be transferred, then closes to seal against moisture. This periodic action maintains high dispensing speed during the open phase while ensuring powder stability during the closed phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous protection against moisture by ensuring that at least one movable member always blocks the aperture, even during the transition between dispensing cycles. This continuous sealing action preserves hygroscopic powder materials while the rapid cyclic opening enables fast dispensing when needed.
4Reliability
If two movable members are used to block the aperture, then sealing and control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning and configuration of the two movable members, with the first movable member on one side of the aperture and the second on the other side. This asymmetric arrangement creates complementary blocking actions that together provide superior sealing, while the asymmetry itself simplifies the individual design of each member compared to a symmetric dual-member system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A metering and dispensing closure for a container wherein two rotatable disks rotate in conjunction with a stationary cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The disks and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.