Variable-Leverage Liquid Dispenser for Low Actuation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing mechanisms for liquids often require increasing user force to achieve complete actuation, making it difficult to dispense a desired volume of liquid efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing mechanism with a movable actuation part and a user lever that pivots about a first pivot axis, featuring a lever ratio that increases over at least 50% of the dispensing stroke, allowing a constant user force to result in an increased transfer force to the outlet mechanism, reducing the user force required over the dispensing stroke.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional dispensing mechanism with fixed leverage is used, then the structure is simple, but the user must apply increasing force to achieve complete actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the leverage ratio variable rather than fixed. The movable actuation part changes its position relative to the outlet mechanism during the dispensing stroke, causing the leverage ratio to increase dynamically. This dynamic adjustment allows the mechanism to maintain ease of operation throughout the entire stroke without requiring increasing user force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the leverage ratio parameter during the dispensing stroke. The movable actuation part changes its geometric configuration and position, which alters the leverage ratio from a constant value to a variable parameter that increases during actuation. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining low user force requirements while achieving complete dispensing.
2Ease of operation
If the leverage ratio is increased to reduce user force, then ease of operation improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable actuation part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a lever to provide mechanical advantage, it moves to variable positions to change the leverage ratio, and it directly contacts the outlet mechanism to transfer force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in mechanism complexity while achieving improved ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the user lever with fixed pivot axis, the movable actuation part with its own pivot axis, and the outlet mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, balancing complexity with operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed pump part and movable pump part arrangement is used, then the structure is compact, but complete actuation requires excessive user force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the actuation part movable rather than fixed. The movable actuation part changes its position and orientation during the dispensing stroke, dynamically adjusting the leverage ratio to maintain low user force requirements. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and compact volume by achieving mechanical advantage through motion rather than through a larger fixed structure.
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
Enables easy dispensing of liquids by maintaining a practical user force throughout the dispensing process, ensuring efficient delivery of a desired volume without requiring excessive force, applicable to various liquid types and outlet mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a user lever arranged to pivot about a first pivot axis and including a user operated portion. The dispensing mechanism is adapted to translate a user force applied to the user operated portion into a transfer force applied from the user lever to the actuation part
Implementation Method 2
The actuation part is arranged to pivot about a second pivot axis. The contact surface of the actuation part is adapted to abut against the outlet mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing mechanism for a liquid container is arranged in liquid communication with an outlet mechanism. The dispensing mechanism is adapted to translate a user force applied to a user operated portion into a transfer force applied from a user lever to an actuation part. A relationship between a first length and a second length forms a lever ratio. The first length extends from a first pivot axis to a user operated portion and the second length extends from the first pivot axis to a point of action of the transfer force on the actuation part. The lever ratio is adapted to increase from a non-actuated position over at least the first 50% of a dispensing stroke of the actuation part such that the transfer force increases over the at least first 50% of the dispensing stroke when a constant force is applied to the user operated portion.