S-Shaped Fluid Delivery Device Sealing and Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery devices for containers, such as those described in EP 1 237 812 and EP 1 114 778 A1, fail to provide full sealing and controlled pressure delivery across all rotation directions and conditions, including when the container is shaken or rotated from 0° to 360°, leading to unintended fluid loss and high manufacturing costs due to the use of expensive materials like silicone.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device with a substantially 'S' shaped delivery path comprising ring-shaped conduits, micro-channels, and a ring-shaped chamber, featuring a stop element to reduce outflow, allowing for controlled pressure and fluid dosing, and capable of maintaining sealing from 0° to 360° rotation, including when the container is shaken, using a two-curves path and a central positioned third conduit to manage fluid flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thin silicone membrane is used for controlled delivery, then the delivery device can prevent non-desired outlet and control water flow, but the manufacturing costs are high due to the use of expensive silicone material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive silicone membrane with a disposable cap structure that integrates the sealing function. The cap is designed to be used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for expensive reusable silicone components while maintaining reliable sealing during the intended usage period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from silicone to alternative materials such as plastic or paperboard for the cap structure. This parameter change maintains the sealing function while significantly reducing manufacturing costs and enabling different delivery modes through structural design rather than material properties.
2Reliability
If a thin silicone membrane is used for controlled delivery, then the delivery device can prevent non-desired outlet and control water flow, but the liquid jet is delivered under high and uniform pressure which is uncomfortable for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery path into multiple channels within the cap structure. This segmentation allows different flow rates and pressure levels to be achieved by opening different numbers or sizes of channels, enabling the user to control jet pressure and select between high-pressure jet mode and low-pressure droplet mode for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the delivery system through a valve mechanism that can adjust the opening state of delivery channels. This allows the user to dynamically change the delivery mode from high-pressure jet to low-pressure droplet delivery, and even to pause delivery, thereby improving user comfort during operation.
3Reliability
If an S-shaped delivery path is used without closure element, then the device can prevent outlet when rotated 180°, but fluid can still exit when shaken in polar position or rotated in other directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a closure element (valve) that is preliminarily positioned to seal the delivery channels before use. This preliminary sealing action prevents fluid leakage in all rotation directions and shaking conditions, and the valve can be activated only when the user intentionally opens it for delivery, ensuring reliable sealing regardless of container orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve as an intermediary component between the fluid reservoir and the delivery channels. This intermediary element actively controls fluid flow by opening or closing passages, providing reliable sealing in all orientations and preventing unintended leakage during shaking or rotation, while still allowing controlled delivery when activated.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the container is rotated from 0° to 360°, then the delivery device should maintain sealing and controlled delivery, but existing devices lose liquid during rotation particularly at 90° position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a valve mechanism that is preliminarily closed to prevent fluid loss during rotation. The valve remains closed throughout the rotation from 0° to 360°, maintaining sealing and preventing fluid leakage at any orientation including the problematic 90° position. Delivery is only activated when the user intentionally opens the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve acts as an intermediary that decouples the fluid delivery function from the container rotation. By controlling the valve state independently of container orientation, the system maintains reliable sealing during rotation and only allows fluid delivery when intentionally activated, preventing loss of substance regardless of rotation angle.
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 ensures complete sealing and controlled fluid delivery across all container orientations and conditions, reducing manufacturing costs and user discomfort by allowing adjustable pressure and preventing fluid loss during rotation and shaking, while maintaining efficient fluid management through the use of micro-channels and a ring-shaped chamber.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially 'S' shaped delivery path able to connect said inlet opening with said outlet opening, said substantially 'S' shaped path comprising a first conduit or inlet conduit, wherein one of its ends corresponds to the inlet opening for the fluid from within said container
Implementation Method 2
When the elastically bottle deformable body is compressed, membrane opens and water is pushed toward the opening thus easing its consumption by the user of the liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2a~9
Figure 10~17
AI summary
The invention relates to a delivery device (1) for the controlled delivery of fluids and/or flowing substances, said device being able to be coupled to the mouth (110) of an elastically deformable container (100), said delivery device (1) comprising an inlet opening (2), an outlet opening (3) and a substantially "S" shaped delivery path able to connect said inlet opening (2) with said outlet opening (3), said substantially "S" shaped path comprising a first conduit (4) or inlet conduit. Te delivery device further comprises a ring-shaped chamber (9), said ring-shaped chamber (9) surrounding said first conduit (4), and a ring-shaped stop element (7) in correspondence of said inlet opening (2), suitable for reducing the outflow of the fluid, and able to form a ring-shaped fourth conduit (8) or peripheral conduit, said fourth conduit (8) communicating with said inlet opening (2) and said first conduit (4), together forming a two-curves path.