Integrally Molded Applicator Head for Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in producing and assembling cost-effective applicator heads for dispensers, which typically consist of multiple individual parts, requiring efficient integration of elastic components for functionality while maintaining low production costs.
Innovation Solution
The applicator head incorporates at least two elastic components, such as valve lips and an actuating handle, formed from a common elastic structural portion made of elastically deformable material, allowing for integral production and simplified assembly by utilizing a multi-component injection mold with rigid and elastic plastic parts, where the elastic portion is deformed to alter the relative positions of rigid structural portions during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applicator heads are produced as multiple individual parts, then functionality and reliability are improved, but production cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual components (actuating handle, inlet valve, outlet valve) into a single integrated applicator head produced by injection molding. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly of multiple parts while maintaining all necessary functions, thereby reducing assembly complexity and production cost without sacrificing reliability
2Ease of repair
If applicator heads are produced as multiple individual parts, then ease of repair and replacement are improved, but production cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all components into a single molded piece, the patent eliminates assembly time entirely for the applicator head installation. The unified structure allows for rapid replacement as a single unit, improving productivity while maintaining ease of repair through complete unit replacement
3Manufacturing precision
If elastic components are produced separately and assembled, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastic components directly into the injection molding process, creating an integrated structure where elastic elements are formed as part of the single molded applicator head. This approach maintains manufacturing precision through controlled molding while eliminating the need for separate assembly of elastic components
4Ease of manufacture
If a common elastic structural portion is used for multiple components, then production cost and assembly simplicity are improved, but manufacturing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent elastic properties of certain plastics used in injection molding to create a common elastic structural portion that serves multiple components. This composite approach allows a single material to provide both structural integrity and elastic functionality, reducing production cost and assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled molding parameters
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
This approach enables cost-effective production and assembly of applicator heads with enhanced leaktightness and ease of assembly, reducing production costs and complexity while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least two have an elastic portion which is made of an elastically deformable material. These elastic portions of the at least two components are an integral part of a common elastic structural portion which is made of the elastic material and which in addition to the elastic portions of the at least two components also forms a connection area between these components
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator head for a dispenser for cosmetic or pharmaceutical liquids and foodstuffs, having a pump device with a pump chamber, an inlet valve arranged between a suction intake and the pump chamber, an outlet valve arranged between the pump chamber and an applicator opening, and an actuating arrangement with the aid of which an inner volume of the pump chamber is changed. At least two of the three components from the group including the outlet valve, the inlet valve, and the actuating arrangement each include at least one elastic section formed from an elastically deformable material, the elastic sections of the at least two components are integral parts of an interlinked elastic component section of a uniform elastic material having a connection area between the at least two components, and the connection area, in the installed state of the application head, is in an elastically deformed state.