Sealing Collar Structure to Prevent Applicator Nozzle Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collars for dispensing viscous materials from tubes and cartridges often result in material creepage into small gaps, leading to difficult cleaning and potential nozzle fixation, causing material waste and limiting the product's usability to a single application.
Innovation Solution
A collar design with a body having a bore with internal partitions and a sealing ridge that forms a liquid-tight seal with the applicator, preventing material creepage and facilitating easy removal and reuse of the nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a collar is used to couple a casing and applicator, then the applicator can be releasably attached to dispense material, but material creeps into gaps between the collar and applicator causing cleaning difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion with a sealing element positioned between them. This segmentation allows the sealing element to be independently optimized for preventing material creepage, while the upper and lower portions can be separately manufactured and assembled. The sealing element acts as a distinct segment that blocks material from entering the gap between the collar and applicator.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the collar and the applicator. This sealing element (which may be a sealing ring, gasket, or O-ring) mediates the interface between the collar bore and the applicator, preventing material from creeping into the gap while still allowing the applicator to be releasably attached and detached.
2Adaptability or versatility
If material hardens in the collar gaps, then the nozzle becomes fixed in place, but this prevents removal and reuse of the applicator
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into upper and lower portions with a sealing element between them, creating distinct functional zones. The sealing element specifically addresses material prevention, while the upper bore portion maintains secure applicator attachment. This segmentation allows the applicator to be securely held during use but easily removed afterward, enabling reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element serves as an intermediary that prevents material from reaching the interface between the collar and applicator. By blocking material creepage at the sealing element, the applicator remains free of hardened material that would otherwise fix it in place, allowing for reliable removal and reuse while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
3Loss of substance
If the collar design includes internal partitions and sealing ridges, then material creepage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into an upper portion and a lower portion with a sealing element positioned between them. This segmentation creates a simple yet effective structure where each component has a specific function: the upper portion receives the applicator, the sealing element prevents material creepage, and the lower portion secures to the casing. This modular segmentation prevents material waste while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
A collar and method are provided for coupling a casing with an applicator. The collar comprising: a body having a first end, a second end and an external surface extending therebetween; a bore extending through the body, the bore having an upper bore portion adjacent the first end for releasable engagement with the attachment portion of the applicator, and a lower bore portion adjacent the second end for securing to the casing; an internal partition extending radially into the body between the upper bore portion from the lower bore portion, and a sealing ridge connected to the partition adjacent the upper bore portion, the sealing ridge adapted to contact the attachment portion of the applicator to form a seal.