Shrink-Wrap Connector for Dispenser Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers with applicators often become disconnected from the container, and glass shards from ruptured ampoules can cause injuries or be deposited in undesired areas, posing safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design featuring a resilient plastic outer container with a fracturable glass ampoule and an applicator assembly, where a shrink-wrap connector member provides a compressive force to secure the applicator assembly to the container, preventing disconnection and shielding against glass shards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a glass ampoule is used as the first container, then the flowable material can be contained effectively, but glass shards can cause injuries or be deposited in undesired areas
Solution Approach 1:
A filter member is introduced as an intermediary component between the glass ampoule and the applicator assembly. This filter member allows the flowable material to pass through while blocking glass shards, thus resolving the contradiction between effective containment and glass shard injury prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful glass shards are extracted or separated from the flowable material through the filter member, allowing the useful material to be dispensed while removing the dangerous components
2Ease of operation
If the applicator assembly is positioned in the open end of the second container, then dispensing can be achieved, but the applicator assembly may become disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The connector member is pre-installed on the applicator assembly before insertion into the second container. This preliminary action ensures that the connection is established in advance, preventing disconnection during use while maintaining dispensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector member merges the applicator assembly with the second container by providing both an interference fit with the container wall and a sealed engagement with the ampoule, thus combining multiple functions into a single component that ensures both connection stability and dispensing operation
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 effectively prevents the applicator assembly from disconnecting and provides a protective layer against glass shards, enhancing user safety and ensuring secure dispensing of flowable materials.
Implementation Method 1
The connector member shrinks inwardly in response to exposure to a heat source
Implementation Method 2
The first container is configured to be fracturable in response to a force applied thereto
Implementation Method 3
The protrusion is positioned in the first open end of the second container in an interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser (10) for dispensing a flowable material M has a first container (12) configured to contain the flowable material M. The first container (12) is configured to be fracturable in response to a force applied thereto. A second container (14) has a first open end and a second closed end wherein the first container (12) is contained within the second container (14). The dispenser (10) further has an applicator assembly (16) operably positioned in the first open end of the second container (14) and defining a juncture therebetween. A connector member (18) is positioned proximate the juncture wherein the connector member (18) provides a compressive force proximate the juncture.