Actuator Flow Conduit Sealing for Foaming Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressurized dispensing systems face issues with undesirable drooling and inconsistent dispensing of foaming compositions due to residual pressure and foaming within the flow path, leading to product clogging and inconsistent physical forms.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus with a displaceable flow conduit and an intermediate member that seals the flow conduit orifice against the actuator head, applying a force to maintain the composition in a non-foamed state, minimizing foaming and drooling by aligning the dispensing orifice with the flow conduit orifice through an aperture, ensuring a controlled dispensing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the flow path is sealed to prevent foaming, then foaming is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple sections with seal members positioned at strategic locations (distal end of flow conduit and intermediate member). This segmentation allows targeted sealing of critical areas where foaming occurs, preventing foam from reaching the dispensing orifice while maintaining simplicity in other regions of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate member with an aperture is introduced as a mediator between the flow conduit and the dispensing orifice. This intermediate member provides a controlled passage for the composition while allowing seal members to effectively block foam formation. The intermediate member simplifies the overall sealing mechanism by providing a fixed structure for the seal members to engage with.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a spring loaded piston is used to seal the flowpath, then foaming is prevented, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex spring-loaded piston mechanism is extracted and replaced with simpler components: a displaceable flow conduit without internal springs, seal members positioned at the distal end, and an intermediate member with an aperture. This extraction of the spring mechanism eliminates the associated costs while maintaining the sealing function through the simplified seal member arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive seal members (such as O-rings or gaskets) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if necessary, rather than costly spring-loaded pistons. These simple sealing components achieve the same foaming prevention function at a fraction of the cost.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If flexible flowpath is used to contain foamed composition, then foaming is contained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a flexible flow path that collapses to contain foam, the invention inverts the approach by using rigid seal members positioned at the distal end of the flow conduit and an intermediate member with an aperture. This rigid sealing approach prevents foam formation in the first place, eliminating the need for flexible containment structures and simplifying manufacturing.
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 effectively minimizes foaming and drooling, maintaining the composition in a controlled state and preventing product clogging, while ensuring consistent dispensing of foaming compositions, thus addressing the issues of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The displaceable flow conduit is biased to an at-rest position sealing the flow conduit orifice against either the interior surface or the intermediate member
Implementation Method 2
a reservoir for containing a composition under pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A dispensing apparatus for containing a pressurized composition, said dispensing apparatus comprising: a reservoir for containing a composition; an actuator head comprising a side wall having an interior surface, said actuator head forming a dispensing orifice through said side wall; an intermediate member positioned on said interior surface and forming an aperture which is aligned with said dispensing orifice; and a displaceable flow conduit comprising a proximal end in fluid communication with said reservoir and a distal end forming a flow conduit orifice, said distal end being movably engaged with said interior surface of said actuator head; wherein said displaceable flow conduit is biased to an at-rest position and can be movably actuated to at least partially engage said intermediate member in a dispense position, thereby at least partially aligning said dispensing orifice with said flow conduit orifice.