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 inefficiencies, as they cannot accommodate different types of fluid dispensing packages with varying pump mechanisms, such as axially and laterally compressible pumps, within a single system.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser adaptor assembly that allows for the use of both axially and laterally compressible fluid dispensing packages by incorporating a movable actuation mechanism, enabling the system to operate with different pump types through a removable and adaptable design, ensuring compatibility and efficient fluid dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dispensing system uses multiple types of fluid dispensing packages with different pump mechanisms, then the system can accommodate various pump types (axially and laterally compressible pumps), but the device complexity and inventory management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adaptor assembly as an intermediary component between the dispenser and different pump types. This adaptor includes a pump support structure and actuation mechanism that can accommodate both axially compressible pumps and laterally compressible pumps through universal engagement features, allowing a single dispenser design to work with multiple pump types without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor assembly is designed with universal functionality to support multiple pump actuation mechanisms. The actuator can engage with different pump types through standardized interface features, enabling one dispenser system to perform multiple functions with different fluid dispensing packages, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Device complexity
If a dispensing system is designed for a specific pump type, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to use different fluid dispensing packages is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into modular components: a standardized dispenser body, an adaptor assembly, and interchangeable pump packages. This segmentation allows the main dispenser structure to remain simple while the adaptor provides the necessary adaptability, separating the complexity of multi-pump support from the core dispenser functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If different types of fluid dispensing packages are used, then the versatility of the dispensing system increases, but the loss of time for inventory management and refilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor assembly provides a universal interface that accepts different pump types through standardized engagement mechanisms. This universality simplifies inventory management because the dispenser can handle multiple pump types without requiring different dispenser units, reducing the time needed for inventory tracking and refilling operations
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 adaptable dispenser system enhances flexibility and reliability, allowing for the use of various fluid dispensing packages while maintaining simplicity, hygiene, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, reducing the need for multiple inventory types and improving operational efficiency.
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.
Implementation Method 3
The actuator has a lifter for actuating the pump of the first type by axially compressing it in a vertical direction
Implementation Method 4
the first actuation head comprises a first contact surface for abutting against a first dolly surface and a second contact surface for abutting against the pump of the second type
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.