Viscous Material Application Device Ventilation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing application devices for viscous materials suffer from air introduction and bubble formation during use, leading to incomplete dispensing and reduced durability of the applied material, especially when used on vertically oriented substrates, due to the need for agitation and reversible container deformation.
Innovation Solution
An application device with a ventilation system that includes a hollow cylinder insert and an air-permeable connection between the outer and inner casings, allowing air to escape and re-enter without entering the viscous material container, combined with a deformable outer casing and a sealing mechanism to ensure airtightness, facilitating complete and bubble-free dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the container wall is made flexible to enable squeezing and complete emptying, then residual emptying is improved, but air is drawn into the container during pressure release, causing air pockets and reducing material durability
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into an inner container holding the viscous material and an outer container providing structural support and ventilation. The inner container can be completely emptied while the outer container maintains structural integrity and provides a controlled ventilation path, separating the emptying function from the ventilation function.
Solution Approach 2:
A ventilation valve or controlled opening acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the container interior. This intermediary allows air to escape during squeezing while preventing uncontrolled air intake during pressure release, mediating the pressure balance without introducing harmful air pockets into the material.
2Ease of operation
If the container wall is shaken or agitated to improve material flowability, then dispensing is improved, but air is introduced into the material, creating bubbles and reducing uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The container system incorporates dynamic elements such as a deformable inner container within a rigid outer container, allowing the material to be gently compressed and redistributed during dispensing without violent shaking. The differential geometry between inner and outer containers enables controlled material movement that maintains uniformity while improving flowability.
3Ease of operation
If the container wall returns to original shape after squeezing, then container reusability is improved, but viscous material is drawn back into the container, reducing complete dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into an inner disposable container and an outer reusable container. The inner container is designed to be completely emptied and discarded, while the outer container maintains its structural shape and provides ventilation. This segmentation allows complete dispensing without requiring the container to return to its original shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is designed for single-use complete emptying and is discarded after use, while the outer container is recovered and reused. This approach ensures complete dispensing of the material while maintaining the reusability of the structural container component.
4Stress or pressure
If air is allowed to escape during squeezing, then pressure balance is improved, but air pockets form in the applied material, reducing sealing and adhesive function
Solution Approach 1:
A ventilation valve or controlled opening serves as an intermediary that allows air to escape during squeezing while preventing air from entering the material stream. This intermediary maintains pressure balance during dispensing while blocking the path that would otherwise allow air pockets to form in the applied material.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the container system have different air permeability properties. The ventilation path is designed to be air-permeable in specific locations (container wall) while the material dispensing path remains airtight. This local differentiation allows pressure balance without compromising sealing function.
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 prevents air from entering the viscous material container, ensuring uniform and complete dispensing without the need for agitation, maintaining material quality and durability by keeping the viscous material irreversibly available and bubble-free, even in overhead applications.
Implementation Method 1
an annular gap is designed between the insert and the neck region of the outer casing, through which air can flow from the outside into the intermediate space between the outer casing and the inner container and vice versa
Implementation Method 2
the applicator comprises a sealing means by which, in the use position of the applicator, an airtight and leak-proof sealing of the inner volume of the inner container with respect to the intermediate space between the outer casing and the inner container is provided
Implementation Method 3
The sealant is dispensed from the container of the application device by squeezing the container wall by a user. A front and a rear actuating surface of the container are moved toward one another in such a manner as to cause a reduction in the internal volume of the container, thereby forcing the sealant into the applicator
Data Source
AI summary
An application device (1) for applying a viscous material onto a substrate and a method for producing the application device (1). The application device (1) includes a ventilation device having an insert (19), which is connected air-tightly to an inner container (3) in the region of a discharge opening (18). An annular gap is formed between the insert (19) and a neck region (6) of the outer casing (2), through which annular gap air can flow from outside into an intermediate space between the outer casing (2) and the inner container (3) and vice versa. The connection between an applicator (4) and the outer casing (2) is also permeable to air and the applicator (4) includes a sealing means (25) that seals off the inner volume of the inner container (3) in an air-tight and leak-proof manner from the intermediate space.