Thermoplastic Dispensing Device for Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for unitary solid products, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, fail to effectively control the internal atmosphere of containers, leading to premature product release and inadequate humidity management, due to complex assembly requirements and limited desiccant exchange surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic device with a bottom inlet opening, upper dispensing orifice, and guiding surface, integrated with a thermoplastic material containing polar groups like polyethylenes and desiccants, which treats gaseous pollutants through adsorption and desorption, ensuring controlled product dispensing and atmosphere management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex assembly with multiple components (distributor cone, porous membrane, desiccant material) is used, then the device can control humidity and protect products, but the manufacturing complexity increases and mass production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distributor cone, porous membrane, and desiccant material into a single integrated device made of thermoplastic material. The desiccant function is incorporated directly into the device body through inclusion of desiccant particles or use of desiccant-containing polymers, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying assembly while maintaining humidity control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device is manufactured from composite thermoplastic materials that may include desiccant particles embedded within the polymer matrix or use of polymers with desiccant properties. This composite approach allows the device to perform both structural and humidity control functions in a single material system, reducing component count and assembly complexity
2Reliability
If a porous membrane is used to retain desiccant material, then humidity control is achieved, but the exchange surface is limited and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes porous structures directly in the thermoplastic material or through incorporated desiccant particles with high surface area. The porous nature of the desiccant material or the thermoplastic matrix itself provides extensive exchange surface for humidity control without requiring separate porous membranes, thereby increasing the effective exchange surface while simplifying the overall structure
3Reliability
If unitary dispensing is implemented, then product protection is improved, but the device geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates geometric features such as a dispensing orifice with diameter smaller than the product dimension, guiding surfaces, and internal structures that segment the dispensing path. These geometric segments work together to ensure unitary dispensing and product protection while being integrated into a single monolithic device structure, avoiding the need for complex multi-component assemblies
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 device allows for precise, unit-by-unit dispensing of products while effectively managing humidity and other gaseous pollutants, enhancing product protection and simplifying assembly processes for mass production.
Implementation Method 1
at least one agent for treating at least one gaseous pollutant present in the gaseous atmosphere of the container by reaction with and/or adsorption of at least least one gaseous pollutant present in said gaseous atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
at least one agent for treating at least one gaseous pollutant present in the gaseous atmosphere of the container by reaction with and/or adsorption of at least least one gaseous pollutant present in said gaseous atmosphere and/or desorption of said agent in said gaseous atmosphere of the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for dispensing unitary products or limiting the flow thereof, and for the in situ treatment of the atmosphere of a container into which it is integrated, said device comprising an inner surface provided with an inlet (4), an upper surface provided with at least one main dispensing opening (2), a surface for guiding (3) products to be dispensed, and a means for fixing (6) the device. The inventive device is characterised in that it consists of a thermoplastic material containing at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one agent for treating gaseous pollutants present in the atmosphere of the container, by reaction with, and/or adsorption of, at least one gaseous pollutant present, and/or desorption of the agent in the atmosphere of the container.