Rotating Valve Mixing Device for Precise Liquid Combination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for mixing two-part hair color and similar applications are complex and require high accuracy, often resulting in user errors due to the need for precise mixing of two liquids, which can lead to undesired color outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A device with a rotating valve mechanism that separates two liquids within a housing, allowing for selective storage and precise mixing by external manipulation, preventing accidental mixing until desired, using valve positioning members that exert forces to maintain separation and facilitate mixing when actuated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual mixing of two liquids is performed by user, then the process can be simple and accessible, but the mixing precision deteriorates leading to user errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of mixing processVSAvoidmixing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service mixing where the system automatically performs the mixing function when activated. The user simply activates the mixing mechanism, and the device internally controls the precise combination of liquids through the valve system, eliminating the need for user skill in achieving proper mixing ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If two liquids are stored separately to prevent contact, then the stability of individual liquids is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of individual liquidsVSAvoidcomplexity of storage device
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the internal storage into separate compartments using a valve mechanism that physically segments the space. This segmentation allows two different liquids to be stored in the same device without contact, maintaining their individual stability while enabling controlled mixing when the valve is activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If precise mixing ratio is required to achieve desired results, then the quality of output is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing ratio precisionVSAvoidease of mixing operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs the precise mixing function automatically once activated. The valve system internally controls the exact mixing ratio without requiring the user to manually measure or calculate proportions, thus achieving high precision while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4045431B1Device for selectively storing and mixing first and second liquids
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 CREATIVE COSMETIC CONCEPTS LLC
  • EP4045431B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4045431B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4045431B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for selectively storing and mixing two liquids. The device comprises a first interior portion for storing a first liquid, a second interior portion for storing a second liquid, and a valve intermediate to the first and second interior portions. The valve moves between at least two positions, a first position preventing the first and second liquids from mixing, and a second position allowing the first and second liquids to mix. The valve includes a first member protruding from a first side and a second member protruding from a second side.