Sliding Applicator Head for Controlled Skin Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicator heads for fluid materials, such as creams, are not optimized for easy handling and application to the user's skin, often leading to inefficient dispensing and potential spraying of the fluid.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with a reciprocally movable outlet part and a closure plug that allows for controlled flow and application, featuring a skirt wall with an external applicator surface and a conical outlet conduit to minimize fluid trapping and prevent spraying, which is connectable to a squeeze tube for fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional closure system with a closure plug is used, then the outlet opening can be closed to prevent fluid leakage, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The closure plug and outlet part are merged into a single integrated closure system. The closure plug is formed as an integral part of the outlet part, eliminating the need for separate moving components while maintaining the sealing function. This reduces device complexity and improves ease of operation while still preventing fluid leakage when closed.
2Productivity
If a conventional dispensing system is used, then fluid material can be dispensed, but spraying occurs and application control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet part is designed to be movable relative to the neck part, transitioning between closed and open positions. This dynamic design allows controlled dispensing of fluid material. When opened, the fluid flows smoothly onto the applicator surface without spraying, and when closed, it prevents leakage. The controlled motion eliminates the harmful spraying effect while maintaining productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the outlet part is made movable for controlled dispensing, then application control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure plug and outlet part are merged into a single integrated component that moves as one unit. This merging simplifies the mechanism while maintaining the ability to control fluid dispensing. The integrated design reduces the number of separate moving parts, thereby lowering device complexity while preserving ease of operation and application control.
4Reliability
If a tight sliding fit is used between outlet part and neck part, then fluid material tightness is achieved, but friction increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system incorporates a sealing element that provides fluid-tight sealing at the critical interface between the outlet part and neck part, while the rest of the sliding surfaces have reduced friction characteristics. This localized sealing approach ensures fluid material tightness where needed without creating excessive friction throughout the entire sliding interface, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator head for a fluid material comprising a neck part having a flow conduit for the flow of the fluid material and an outlet part comprising a slideable sleeve externally mounted on the neck part, the neck part incorporating a closure part engages with the outlet opening to close it, and the outlet part has an external applicator surface adapted to apply the fluid material to a user's skin and the outlet opening is an opening through the applicator surface.