Sequential Fluid Dispensing Container with Nested Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container systems for dispensing fluids and gels onto applicators, such as toothbrushes, often require separate containers for disinfectants and toothpaste, leading to inefficiencies and lack of automation in sequential dispensing, especially for disposable and reusable units.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled cylindrical container system with a hollow plunger that sequentially dispenses disinfectant and toothpaste onto a toothbrush by using channels and dispensing ports, allowing for controlled and simultaneous dispensing of both liquids through manual activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate containers are used for disinfectant and toothpaste, then each fluid can be stored independently, but the device complexity increases and sequential dispensing becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid storage chambers (disinfectant and toothpaste) into a single integrated container system with a unified plunger mechanism. This merging of previously separate containers into one device reduces overall system complexity while enabling automated sequential dispensing of multiple fluids through a single operational interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The single container system performs multiple functions: storing disinfectant, storing toothpaste, and sequentially dispensing both fluids onto the toothbrush. The unified plunger mechanism provides universal control for dispensing different fluids at different stages, eliminating the need for separate containers and operations for each fluid.
2Ease of operation
If manual dispensing control is used, then the user can control the quantity dispensed, but the process lacks automation and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger mechanism is designed to be pushed by the toothbrush itself during insertion into the container. The toothbrush acts as the actuating force that automatically drives the plunger to dispense the first fluid (disinfectant) onto its own bristles, eliminating the need for separate manual pumping or dispensing actions by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is pre-configured with multiple fluid chambers and dispensing channels arranged so that as the plunger moves during toothbrush insertion, fluids are automatically dispensed in the correct sequence. The first chamber dispenses disinfectant initially, then the second chamber dispenses toothpaste subsequently, all without user intervention beyond inserting the brush.
3Ease of operation
If a single device dispenses multiple fluids, then convenience and hygiene are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate compartments for different fluids, each with its own dispensing channel and port. This segmentation allows each fluid storage and dispensing pathway to be manufactured independently using standard molding techniques, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to creating a fully integrated single-chamber system.
Solution Approach 2:
The design places one fluid chamber inside or adjacent to another within the single container structure, with the plunger mechanism nested within the container body. This nested arrangement maximizes space efficiency and allows multiple dispensing functions to be achieved within a compact, cost-effective single-device form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure and system are described which include the use of a combination container for sequentially dispensing multiple fluids onto a removable applicator device. A preferred application of the invention is with the sequential dispensing of a quantity of disinfecting solution over a toothbrush, followed by the dispensing of a measured quantity of toothpaste onto the toothbrush. The device is constructed in a double walled cylindrical (circular or non-circular) configuration with a hollow plunger component coaxially positioned within the cylindrical walls. Beneath the plunger component is contained a quantity of disinfectant solution such that when the plunger is directed downward the disinfectant solution is forced upward between the walls of the double walled container and through dispensing ports directed into the interior where the applicator is positioned. The contained motion of the plunger component downward under the directed force of the applicator brings the base of the hollow plunger into contact with the base wall of the container and causes the collapse of the hollow plunger. A second liquid/gel contained within the hollow plunger is then directed up and out of its enclosed volume through ports aligned with the applicator. The design is intended to accommodate a wide variety of compounds and applicators. Wherever the dispensing of two different compounds (liquids/gels) is required in a sequential manner, the present invention finds applicability.