Sponge Applicator with Piercing Lance for Adhesive Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for adhesive components, particularly those for low and high viscosity adhesives, face challenges in efficiently and effectively applying small amounts of moisture-sensitive liquids, such as primers, without contamination or premature polymerization.
Innovation Solution
A sponge applicator top with a rigid cap portion, absorbent porous material, and a snap ring attachment system, which includes a lance for piercing seals and a cylindrical channel for dispensing adhesives, allowing for controlled application of adhesives through dabbing or swabbing motions, while preventing moisture intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional applicator is used for adhesive components, then the adhesive can be applied to the desired area, but moisture intrusion may occur leading to premature polymerization or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into distinct functional segments: a sealed reservoir for adhesive storage, a piercing lance for seal penetration, a controlled dispensing channel, and an absorbent applicator head. This segmentation isolates the adhesive from moisture until the moment of application, preventing premature polymerization while enabling controlled delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The piercing lance acts as an intermediary mechanism that selectively breaches the seal between the reservoir and applicator head. This intermediary element allows controlled access to the adhesive while maintaining the seal's protective function against moisture intrusion during storage and transport.
2Manufacturing precision
If a sponge applicator is used for small amounts of adhesive, then the adhesive can be applied precisely, but the applicator structure becomes complex requiring snap rings and grooves for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator employs a nested structure where the absorbent applicator material is contained within the cap, the cap is threaded onto the tube, and the lance is centered within the cap portion. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact assembly, reducing overall complexity while maintaining precise adhesive delivery for small amounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a circumferential groove in the cap portion that engages with a snap ring, adding a dimensional constraint that simplifies assembly. This grooved interface provides a straightforward assembly mechanism that reduces complexity compared to traditional multi-component applicator designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the absorbent applicator material is held in place by a snap ring with circumferential groove, then the applicator can be easily assembled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring with circumferential groove creates a self-locating assembly mechanism. The groove geometry guides the snap ring into proper engagement with the cap portion, enabling easy assembly without requiring additional alignment tools or complex fastening procedures. The structure serves its own assembly function.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap ring functions as a flexible retaining element that can elastically engage with the circumferential groove to hold the absorbent applicator material in place. This flexible component provides secure retention while allowing for simple assembly and disassembly, balancing ease of manufacture with controlled device complexity.
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 enables precise and contamination-free application of adhesives, preventing premature polymerization and ensuring effective use of small adhesive amounts, suitable for both low and high viscosity adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent porous applicator material covering the external opening of the longitudinal channel 14... the absorbent applicator material covering the second end of the channel to receive and absorb the adhesive or adhesive components from the channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Disclosed are a sponge applicator device, and a tube dispenser for adhesive compositions and adhesive components which comprise a sponge applicator device. The tube includes an upper neck body (23) which is cylindrical with exterior threads so that the sponge applicator cap may be attached. The sponge applicator comprises a rigid cap portion (11) having interior threads (12) , a cylindrical top end having a longitudinal channel (13) , an absorbent, porous applicator material (15) covering the external opening of said longitudinal channel (13) , and a lance (16) centered within the said threaded cap and coaxial with said longitudinal channel. The porous applicator material (15) may be affixed to the end of the top end with an adhesive, or held in place by a snap ring .