Annular Vent Valve for Inverted Containers Without Collapse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vent valves for non-collapsing containers used in inverted positions tend to leak or cause containers to collapse due to high cracking pressure, leading to inconsistent product output and aesthetic issues, especially in thin PET containers.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an annular venting chamber with a vent valve featuring two wiper seals and a valve retention member, which provides a low cracking pressure, self-centering, and uniform seal pressure, preventing leaks and container collapse, and allowing for thinner container walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art vent valves are used in inverted non-collapsing containers, then leaking is prevented, but cracking pressure becomes high causing container collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the vent valve by introducing a specific valve body geometry with an integrated needle valve mechanism and optimized seal contact surface. This modifies the pressure-flow characteristics to achieve low cracking pressure (below 5 psi) while maintaining reliable leak prevention through the wiper seal configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the sealing function in a specific localized area through the wiper seal that contacts only a portion of the valve body circumference. This localized sealing approach reduces overall cracking pressure while maintaining effective leak prevention at the critical sealing interface.
2Reliability
If vent valves with high cracking pressure are used, then leaking is prevented, but product output consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the valve opening pressure parameter to be consistently low (below 5 psi) through precise control of the needle valve geometry and spring force. This parameter optimization ensures uniform product output by preventing premature valve opening while maintaining consistent dispensing flow rates across multiple actuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a spring-loaded needle valve mechanism that provides automatic feedback control. The spring force adjusts to maintain consistent valve opening pressure, and the needle valve position self-regulates based on pressure differential, ensuring consistent product output across varying operating conditions.
3Strength
If thick container walls are used, then container collapse is prevented, but environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-establishing a low cracking pressure venting mechanism that counteracts the vacuum pressure buildup before it can cause container collapse. The vent valve opens at very low pressure differentials (below 5 psi), preventing the vacuum conditions that would otherwise require thick container walls for collapse prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the vent valve as an intermediary component between the container interior and exterior atmosphere. This intermediary device manages pressure equilibrium by allowing controlled air ingress at low pressure differentials, thereby protecting thin-walled containers from collapse without requiring increased wall thickness.
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 ensures a leak-free and consistent dispensing system, reducing plastic usage, making the product more cost-effective and environmentally friendly while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The vent valve has a first wiper seal in contact with a wall of the annular venting chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary refill unit for a dispenser includes an inverted non-collapsing container for holding a liquid. A pump housing is secured to the bottom of the inverted non-collapsing container. The pump housing includes a pump chamber for pumping fluid out of the inverted non-collapsing container. The pump housing includes an annular venting chamber. The annular venting chamber has a floor with an opening therethrough. A vent valve is located within the venting chamber. The vent valve has a first wiper seal in contact with a wall of the annular venting chamber.