Liquid Dispensing Unit With Adjustable Nozzle Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid dispensing units face issues with retraction mechanisms that are prone to malfunctions due to limited movement space, leading to collisions with kitchen objects, especially when multiple liquid supply systems are integrated, which complicates smooth operation.

Innovation Solution

A liquid dispensing unit with a retraction mechanism that includes an adjustable holding unit and retraction force generation element, allowing for customizable mounting and connecting positions, and a flexible retraction force transmitting element to adapt to different use cases, preventing collisions and ensuring smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a ballast element is used as a retraction force generation element, then the retraction force is generated simply through gravity, but the movement space required for the ballast element is very limited and collisions with kitchen objects may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretraction mechanism simplicityVSAvoidretraction mechanism malfunction risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the retraction force generation element a spring instead of a static ballast element. The spring can dynamically adjust its force and accommodate limited movement space while maintaining reliable retraction function. The spring's elastic properties allow it to generate retraction force without requiring the large movement space needed for a ballast element, thereby eliminating collision risks with kitchen objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the retraction force generation element from a gravity-dependent ballast to an elastic spring system. This parameter change allows the retraction force to be generated through elastic deformation rather than gravitational pull, enabling the mechanism to function reliably in confined spaces where ballast elements would collide with surrounding objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple liquid supply systems are integrated, then different kinds of liquid can be supplied, but the movement space is further limited and the risk of malfunctions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid supply capabilityVSAvoidretraction mechanism malfunction risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by providing separate retraction mechanisms for each liquid supply system. Each retraction mechanism is independently configured with its own spring and adjustment means, allowing each to be optimized for its specific space constraints and liquid dispensing requirements. This segmentation prevents interference between multiple liquid supply systems while maintaining reliable retraction function for each.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality through the adjustable holding unit that can be positioned at different locations and oriented in different directions. This universal design allows the same retraction mechanism structure to be adapted to various space configurations and multiple liquid supply systems, maintaining reliability across different installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the holding unit has fixed mounting position, then the structure is simple, but the retraction force direction cannot be adapted to different use cases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding unit structureVSAvoidretraction force direction adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the holding unit adjustable rather than fixed. The holding unit can be positioned at different locations and oriented in different directions to adapt to various use cases and space constraints. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through adjustment means that allow modification of the holding unit's position and orientation without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing adjustment means that allow the holding unit to be pre-configured in different positions and orientations before operation. This preliminary adjustment capability enables the retraction force direction to be adapted to different use cases during installation, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables flexible adjustment of mounting and retraction force direction, preventing collisions and ensuring smooth operation of the retraction mechanism, even in confined spaces with multiple liquid supply systems.

Implementation Method 1

a retraction force generation element which is configured to generate the retraction force to be applied to the flexible conduit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a retraction force generation element in form of a ballast element which may be connected to the flexible conduit and configured to generate the retraction force simply through the effect of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4632159A1Liquid dispensing unit and liquid dispensing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 UNITO SMART TECH
  • EP4632159A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP4632159A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b
  • EP4632159A1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

The invention refers to a liquid dispensing unit (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) comprising: a pull-out dispensing nozzle (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602) which is configured to be moved in a pull-out direction (P) and opposite thereto relative to a basis element (104; 204; 304; 404; 504; 604), in particular a faucet, of the liquid dispensing unit; a flexible conduit (106; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606) which is designed and intended to fluidically connect the pull-out dispensing nozzle to a dispensing outlet of a liquid dispensing apparatus (150; 250; 350; 450; 550; 650), a retraction mechanism (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) which is operationally connected to the flexible conduit and configured to apply a retraction force to the flexible conduit, in response to the pull-out dispensing nozzle being moved in the pull-out direction (P) relative to the basis element, wherein the retraction mechanism comprises: a retraction force generation element (112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 512' 612), which is configured to generate the retraction force to be applied to the flexible conduit, and a holding unit (114; 214; 314; 414; 514; 614) which is configured to be connected to the retraction force generation element and configured to be mounted to a holding structure (160; 260; 360; 460; 560; 660), wherein the holding unit comprises adjustment means (116; 216; 316; 416; 516; 616) configured to adjust a mounting position of the holding unit relative to the holding structure and/or to adjust a connecting position between the holding unit and the retraction force generation element.