Air-Vented Refill Unit With Check Valve for Self-Repriming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispenser systems face challenges in re-priming after dispensing and are not easily rechargeable or cost-effective, particularly in maintaining air venting functionality.
Innovation Solution
An air-vented liquid dispenser system with a refill unit featuring a rigid container, a manifold with air and liquid passages, a gasket member with a flexible flap as a check valve, and an air tube to maintain air flow, allowing for easy recharging and economical production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid container is used in the liquid dispenser, then the structural strength is improved, but the device becomes harder to recharge and more expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid dispenser is divided into two main segments: a reusable rigid dispenser body (housing the pump mechanism) and a replaceable refill container. This segmentation allows the rigid portion to maintain structural strength while the refillable portion provides ease of recharging. The container can be easily detached and replaced without affecting the durable dispenser body.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid dispenser body is designed as a universal base that can accommodate different refill containers. The standardized interface allows the same dispenser housing to work with multiple container types, reducing production costs through component standardization while maintaining the structural benefits of the rigid body.
2Reliability
If air venting is added to enable self-repriming, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air venting system is designed to automatically perform the repriming function without user intervention. When liquid level drops or air enters the system, the check valve automatically opens to allow air escape, and the pump automatically re-primes itself by drawing liquid through the air vent passage, eliminating the need for manual priming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve in the air venting system changes its flow direction parameter based on pressure differential. Under normal operation, it prevents air from entering the pump; during repriming, the pressure difference causes the valve to open and allow air escape, enabling automatic adaptation to different operational states without adding complex control mechanisms.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a check valve is incorporated in the air passage, then liquid leakage is prevented, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is implemented as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. By using a basic flexible flap design rather than a complex mechanical valve, the cost is minimized while still providing effective liquid leakage prevention. The simplicity of the check valve allows for cost-effective production.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve acts as an intermediary element in the air passage, mediating between the need for air flow during repriming and the need to prevent liquid leakage during operation. This simple passive component effectively controls fluid direction without requiring active control systems or expensive mechanisms.
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 system ensures self-repriming and easy refilling of the dispenser, maintaining functionality while being cost-effective and preventing liquid leakage during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket member located between the container neck and the manifold, and includes a flexible and resilient flap portion which acts as a check valve for the air passage
Data Source
AI summary
Air-vented liquid dispensers are disclosed herein, including refill units for use in connection with such dispensers. A rigid container holds a liquid and has a neck portion. A manifold is secured to the neck portion underneath the container, and includes an air passage for air to enter into the container and a liquid passage for air to exit the container. A gasket member is located between the container neck and the manifold, and has a flexible and resilient flap portion which acts as a check valve for the air passage. An air tube carries the air up into the rigid container.