Screw Dispenser Locking Elevator and Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screw-based dispensers face issues such as 'up-elevator' during transportation, incomplete filling, product spillage, disassembly, lack of sensory feedback, and unintentional product propulsion due to floating.
Innovation Solution
The screw-based dispenser incorporates a locking elevator mechanism with a convex protrusion and concave depression to prevent axial movement during transport, provides tactile and auditory feedback through diametrically opposed flaps and struts, and an elevator retention mechanism with a stop protrusion to prevent disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the movable elevator is disposed near the non-dispensing end during filling, then the cylindrical casing can be fully filled with the applicable product, but jostling during transportation causes the elevator to travel up to a higher position resulting in incomplete filling and product spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a locking mechanism (convex protrusion on screw engaging with concave depression on elevator) that prevents the elevator from moving upward during transportation before the dispenser is actually used. This counteracts the jostling forces that would otherwise cause the elevator to rise and create filling problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured during manufacturing to secure the elevator in the correct position. The convex protrusion and concave depression are formed in advance, ensuring that when the dispenser is assembled and transported, the elevator remains locked in place without requiring additional actions during transportation.
2Ease of operation
If the rotatable base is made rotatable to propel the elevator, then the applicable product can be dispensed, but the base can be unintentionally rotated due to contact with user's pocket causing inadvertent product propulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through diametrically opposed feedback flaps on the screw that engage with feedback struts on the cylindrical casing. When the user rotates the base, this engagement produces tactile clicking sensations and audible clicks, providing sensory feedback that confirms intentional rotation and helps the user control the dispensing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback flaps are positioned diametrically opposed to each other, creating a symmetric engagement pattern with the feedback struts. This geometric arrangement ensures consistent tactile and auditory feedback during rotation while requiring deliberate user action to overcome the engagement resistance.
3Ease of operation
If conventional screw-based dispensers are designed to allow easy disassembly by rotating the elevator off the screw, then the dispenser can be taken apart, but the elevator can be accidentally disassembled and the product can leak
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator retention mechanism uses a stop protrusion on the screw that engages with a corresponding feature on the elevator, creating a preliminary counter-action that prevents the elevator from rotating off the screw during normal use. This locking engagement secures the elevator in place while still allowing intentional disassembly when needed.
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 optimal filling, prevents product spillage and unintentional propulsion, provides reliable user feedback, and secures the elevator in place, enhancing usability and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the movable elevator is engaged with a screw contained within the cylindrical outer housing... rotation of the screw within the cylindrical outer casing is controlled by a rotatable base... the movable elevator axially progresses up or down along the thread of the screw
Implementation Method 2
The turning of the rotatable base creates a clicking noise and tactile sensation due to diametrically opposed feedback flaps disposed on the lower portion of the screw coming into contact with diametrically opposed feedback struts disposed on the non-dispensing end of the cylindrical outer casing
Implementation Method 3
a locking mechanism including a circumferential convex protrusion on the screw and a circumferential concave depression on the movable elevator that receives the convex protrusion
Implementation Method 4
an elevator retention mechanism including a stop protrusion on the screw that prevents the movable elevator from rotating off the screw
Data Source
AI summary
A screw-based dispenser for the application of cosmetic products and other applicable gels, liquids, and solids. The screw-based dispenser may have one or more of the following features: a cylindrical outer casing having at least two diametrically opposed feedback struts, a threaded screw connected to a base that is rotatable relative to the cylindrical outer casing, an elevator retention mechanism, a movable elevator operably engaged with the threaded screw within the cylindrical outer casing, and an elevator locking mechanism providing resistance to spontaneous axial movement of the elevator toward an end of the threaded screw opposite the rotatable base.