Adaptor assembly for a fluid dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems are inflexible and require multiple types of dispensing packages, leading to inventory management challenges and increased costs due to the need for different types of dispensers and pumps for various fluid products.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser adaptor assembly that allows for the use of both axially and laterally actuated fluid containers, enabling a single dispenser to accommodate different types of fluid dispensing packages by converting the actuation mechanism to match the type of pump in the container, thereby enhancing flexibility and reducing inventory needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of fluid dispensing packages with different pump types are used at given location, then the system can accommodate various fluid products, but it requires having multiple types of dispensers and pumps in stock, increasing inventory complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor assembly enables a single dispenser to perform multiple functions by accommodating both axially actuated and laterally actuated pump types through interchangeable adaptor configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized dispensers
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor assembly acts as an intermediary component between the dispenser and different pump types, providing a standardized interface that allows various pump configurations to work with a single dispenser platform
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 adaptor assembly enables a single dispenser to operate with multiple types of fluid containers, reducing inventory complexity and costs while maintaining reliability, hygiene, and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is formed of just few elements with a resilient pumping chamber and regulator valves. Operation of the pump occurs by application of a lateral force to the pumping chamber, causing it to partially collapse and expel its contents through the outer valve.
Implementation Method 2
Refilling of the pumping chamber occurs through the inner valve once the lateral force is removed. The filling force is provided by the inherent resilience of the wall of the pumping chamber, which is enough to overcome any back-pressure due to a resistance to collapse of the container.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor assembly for use in a dispenser for a replaceable fluid container comprising a fluid pump. The adapter assembly is used in the dispenser to allow using a fluid container having a pump being actuated by laterally compressing it. The adaptor assembly comprises a fluid container support for supporting the fluid container in a desired position in the dispenser and actuation parts having actuation heads being movable between non-actuated and actuated positions. The actuation heads have contact surfaces for abutting dolly surfaces and the pump. The contact surfaces abut against the dolly surfaces in the non-actuated and actuated positions. A moving part is displaceable between a lower and upper position. A horizontal plane through the actuation heads in their fully actuated positions intersects portions of the dolly surfaces that are in contact with the contact surfaces. A fluid dispensing system and a dispenser are also disclosed.