Enhanced Dispenser Actuator Assembly
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved dispenser actuator assembly that enhances crushing force, accommodates varying container sizes, and provides real-time ampoule detection, ensuring efficient and safe dispensing of flowable materials.
Background and Problem Solved
The original dispenser actuator assembly (Patent #) has limitations in terms of crushing force, adaptability to different container sizes, and risk of ampoule breakage. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a reinforced base member, adjustable inner surface, built-in sensor, and modular design.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced dispenser actuator assembly features a base member with a reinforced structure to increase crushing force on the glass ampoule. The base member's adjustable inner surface accommodates different sizes of outer containers, ensuring secure engagement. A built-in sensor detects the presence of a glass ampoule assembly and automatically adjusts the crushing force to reduce the risk of ampoule breakage. The modular design allows for easy customization and adaptation to various dispenser configurations. The assembly further comprises a flex plate with a tensioning mechanism to ensure secure engagement with the outer container.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a reinforced base member, adjustable inner surface, built-in sensor, and modular design, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement in crushing force, adaptability, and safety, making the new inventive concept novel and non-obvious.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced dispenser actuator assembly could include varying reinforcement materials, different sensor types, and adjustable flex plate designs. These variations would ensure broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to diverse dispenser configurations.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced dispenser actuator assembly has significant commercial potential in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing, where efficient and safe dispensing of flowable materials is crucial. The market for such assemblies is expected to grow as companies seek to improve their manufacturing processes and product quality.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M35/003 |
| A | A61 | A61J1/065 |
| A | A61 | A61M2209/04 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device design, specifically dispenser actuator assemblies for glass ampoule systems, involving mechanical engineering, fluid delivery mechanisms, and precision medical packaging technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with expertise in medical device design, familiar with fluid delivery systems, glass ampoule packaging, and mechanical actuation mechanisms, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's fundamental dispenser actuator design. The proposed modifications address known limitations in glass ampoule dispensing systems by introducing incremental enhancements in force application, container engagement, and safety mechanisms. These variations represent standard problem-solving approaches within medical device mechanical design, utilizing known techniques to improve existing technological solutions.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,747 |
|---|---|
| Title | Dispenser actuator assembly |
| Assignee(s) | James Alexander Corporation |