Bellow Pump Fluid Lock Sealing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bellow-type pump systems face challenges in meeting new delivery requirements and improving performance for dispensing fluids or pasty products, as they often lack efficient fluid management and secure attachment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A pump system comprising a bellow, stem, fluid lock, and guide, where the stem interacts with the bellow's upper lip and base, utilizing materials like silicon, TPE, or TPU, and featuring a fluid lock that attaches to the stem to secure the bellow to the base, allowing for controlled fluid flow and attachment to various containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional bellow-type pump systems are used, then basic pumping function is provided, but fluid management efficiency and delivery performance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery performanceVSAvoidfluid management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system is divided into distinct functional segments: the bellow chamber for fluid intake, the stem for actuation, the fluid lock for sealing, and the guide for directional control. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function, improving overall delivery performance and fluid management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid lock acts as an intermediary sealing mechanism between the bellow chamber and the base. It prevents fluid leakage and backflow while allowing controlled dispensing, thereby enhancing fluid management efficiency and delivery reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If simple attachment mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but secure attachment to various containers is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment versatilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is designed with universal features that can interface with multiple container types (bottles, tubes, bags). The base includes standardized connection points and the stem can adapt to different container openings, providing versatile attachment without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each container type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow adjustment and adaptation during assembly. The stem and base connection features can flex or adjust to accommodate variations in container geometry, enabling secure attachment across different container types while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the bellow is freely movable, then ease of operation is improved, but controlled fluid flow and sealing are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebellow movement easeVSAvoidfluid flow control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid lock serves as an intermediary sealing element that controls bellow movement. It allows the bellow to expand and contract for fluid intake and dispensing while maintaining a sealed environment. The guide acts as another intermediary that directs bellow movement along a controlled path, ensuring reliable fluid flow control while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bellow system incorporates self-sealing features where the bellow material itself and the fluid lock work together to maintain seals during movement. The design allows the bellow to automatically seal against the base and fluid lock during its operational cycle, maintaining fluid flow control without requiring additional active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively manages fluid flow by sealing and unsealing the bellow chamber, preventing backflow and ensuring efficient dispensing of products from containers, while allowing for versatile attachment to different container types through secure mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid lock attached to an end portion of the stem... the fluid lock to the stem hold the bellow to the base for assembly to the pump system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

a bellow comprising a suction valve and an upper lip... made of a material selected from the group consisting of silicon, TPE, TPU, and an elastomer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a bellow comprising a suction valve and an upper lip... the neck extends through the suction valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP2655893B1Pump devices
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 SILGAN DISPENSING SYSTEMS CORP
  • EP2655893B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2655893B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2655893B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A simplified pump system may include a bellow having a suction valve, a stem, and a fluid lock wherein the product flow into and out of a pump chamber formed by the bellow and stem is controlled by the suction valve and fluid lock.