Adapter Element With Automatic Opening Means For Dispenser Seals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensers with exchangeable storage space parts often require manual intervention to open the storage space, leading to uncontrolled dispensing of contents when attached to the dispenser head, as the seal is compromised during handling.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an adapter part with a sealing collar and opening means that automatically opens the storage space when attached to the dispenser head, ensuring a seal is maintained until the storage space is removed, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing uncontrolled dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cover element is used to close the storage space opening before first use, then the storage space remains sealed and contents are protected, but manual intervention is required to open the storage space which can lead to uncontrolled dispensing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal integrityVSAvoidmanual opening requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter part is pre-configured with an opening means that automatically performs the opening action when the storage space part is attached to the dispenser head. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining seal integrity until the moment of automatic opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the opening action automatically through the opening means in the adapter part when the storage space part is attached. The storage space opens itself without requiring user intervention, preventing uncontrolled dispensing while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the storage space is opened manually before attachment, then the opening can be released, but the seal is compromised and uncontrolled dispensing may occur during handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening releaseVSAvoidseal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The opening means is pre-positioned in the adapter part to automatically perform the opening action at the moment of attachment. This ensures the seal remains intact during handling and only opens when the storage space is properly attached to the dispenser head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The opening means in the adapter part acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the opening action. It mediates between the sealed storage space and the dispenser head, ensuring the seal is maintained until the proper moment of automatic opening upon attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a seal is provided in the interaction area between storage space and dispenser head, then controlled dispensing is achieved, but the seal may be compromised during handling and attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal integrityVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter part is pre-configured with the opening means that automatically opens the storage space upon attachment. This preliminary preparation ensures the seal remains intact during handling while providing a controlled opening mechanism that simplifies the overall sealing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the attachment action itself to trigger the automatic opening through the opening means. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual opening operations and reduces the complexity of the sealing system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3911448B1Adapter element, dispenser as well as storage used in a dispenser
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 RPC BRAMLAGE
  • EP3911448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3911448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3911448B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an adapter part (22) arranged in a passage to a storage chamber (11) of a dispenser (1). The invention also relates to a dispenser (1) for dispensing a liquid or pasty compound (2), comprising a dispenser head (3) which has a dispenser opening (Sp) and a dispenser lower part (4), a storage chamber (11), and a pump device (P) in the dispenser head (3). The compound (2) can be dispensed out of the storage chamber (11) via the dispenser opening (Sp) by means of the pump device (P), wherein the storage chamber (11) is additionally produced as a bag-like storage chamber part (5) and is received in the dispenser lower part (4) in a replaceable manner. Additionally, the storage chamber part (5) has an adapter part (22) for interacting with the pump device in order to conduct the compound (2), and additionally the adapter part (22) has a cover element (33) which can be acted upon in order to form an opening (36) of the storage chamber (11). The invention additionally relates to a storage chamber (11) which is designed as a bag-like storage chamber part (5) for use in a dispenser (1) for dispensing a liquid or pasty compound (2). The storage chamber (11) has an adapter part (22) with a cover element (33) which can be acted upon in order to form an opening (36) of the storage chamber (11), and a seal collar (41) with a seal surface (43) is formed on the adapter part (22). The aim of the invention is to improve an adapter part and a dispenser as well as a replaceable storage chamber of the aforementioned type, in particular in terms of handling. This is achieved by a cover element (33) which relates to the adapter part (22) and which can be acted upon in order to form an opening (36). A seal wall (42) which extends so as to surround the cover element (33) is suitable for sealingly interacting with the dispenser (1). With respect to the dispenser, it is proposed that the pump device (P) has an opening means (45) on the storage chamber side for automatically acting on the cover element (33) in order to form the opening (36) when the storage chamber part (5) is placed on the dispenser head (3). With respect to the storage chamber, it is proposed that the seal collar (41) runs so as to surround the cover element (33) in the form of a closed circumferential cylindrical wall.