Adjustable Pump Engine Using Universal Components for Multiple Dosages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump systems face challenges in providing consistent user experience and cost-effectiveness due to the need for different designs and molds for varying dosage amounts, leading to increased manufacturing and assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
A pump engine design that allows for adjustable dosage by varying the assembly configuration of its components, particularly the piston stem and lower cone, using interchangeable parts to achieve multiple dosages without requiring separate molds for each size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different pump designs are used for different dosage amounts, then each dosage can be optimized for its specific function, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase significantly due to the need for separate molds and tooling for each size
Solution Approach 1:
The pump engine is designed with universal components that can serve multiple dosage configurations. The piston stem, lower cone, and accumulator form a standardized platform that can be assembled in different configurations to achieve various dosage amounts, allowing a single mold set to produce pumps for multiple dosage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is divided into separable components (pump engine, closure, dispensing head) where the pump engine contains interchangeable parts (accumulators, pistons, piston stems) that can be selectively assembled. This segmentation allows different dosage configurations to be created from the same base components without requiring complete redesign for each dosage size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different pump designs are used for different dosage amounts, then each dosage can be optimized, but the user experience and operation consistency deteriorate due to varying pump designs across package sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized pump engine design ensures that the core dispensing mechanism remains consistent across different dosage configurations. Users interact with the same pump head, actuator, and dispensing interface regardless of the dosage amount, which is determined by the internally configured accumulator and piston assembly. This maintains uniform user experience while achieving dosage variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The variation in dosage is achieved through localized changes in the internal pump engine configuration (different accumulator sizes, piston stroke lengths) while the external user interface components (pump head, actuator, dispensing opening) remain standardized. This allows dosage customization without affecting the overall user experience consistency.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate molds and tooling are purchased for each pump size, then each dosage can be precisely manufactured, but the initial investment and operational costs at least double
Solution Approach 1:
A single set of molds and tooling is designed to produce universal pump engine components that can be configured for multiple dosages. The standardized components (piston stems, lower cones, accumulators) are manufactured using the same tooling, eliminating the need for separate molds for each dosage size while maintaining precise dosage control through selective assembly of pre-configured parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Accumulators and other internal components are pre-configured with specific dimensions and characteristics during a single manufacturing process. These pre-configured components are then selectively assembled into the pump engine to achieve the desired dosage. This preliminary configuration allows precise dosage control without requiring separate manufacturing tooling for each dosage level.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump engine having selectable outputs based on the positioning of two components of the pump engine may be assembled for a desired output and incorporated into a pump or pump system made of recyclable materials.