Bellows Pump Assembly With Integrated Valve for Simpler Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump devices for personal and beauty care products often have complex designs with many parts, which increases production and assembly costs while compromising aesthetics and functionality, necessitating the development of simpler, more efficient pump mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pump design utilizing a bellow mechanism with a base and bellow chamber that defines a pump chamber, where the bellow's actuation and de-actuation facilitate the flow of products through inlet and discharge passages, allowing for efficient product delivery with fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pump mechanisms with ball valves or flap valves are used, then reliable product delivery is achieved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve mechanism and bellow into a single integrated assembly where the valve is positioned within the bellow structure. The valve walls form part of the bellow assembly, eliminating the need for separate valve housing and reducing the number of discrete components while maintaining reliable product delivery through coordinated valve-bellow operation
Solution Approach 2:
The bellow structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the pumping mechanism (through expansion and contraction) and as part of the valve assembly (with valve walls integrated into the bellow). This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable product delivery
2Adaptability or versatility
If pump devices with multiple components are used, then functional requirements are met, but production and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve and bellow into a single integrated component assembly, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. The valve walls are formed as part of the bellow structure, eliminating separate valve housing and reducing assembly steps while maintaining full product delivery functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The pump chamber is segmented into distinct functional zones (inlet passage, pump chamber, discharge passage) within the integrated bellow-valve assembly, allowing each zone to perform its specific function while being part of a unified structure that is easier to manufacture as a single unit
3Device complexity
If simpler pump designs with fewer parts are used, then production costs decrease, but aesthetic value and functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bellow component features a curved, dome-shaped structure that provides aesthetic appeal while functioning as the pumping mechanism. The curved bellow walls and dome create a visually appealing form that simplifies the overall design by eliminating the need for separate aesthetic housing components
Solution Approach 2:
The functional bellow structure and aesthetic form are merged into a single component where the curved bellow walls serve both as the pumping mechanism and as the visible aesthetic element, reducing part count while maintaining or enhancing aesthetic value
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 bellow-based pump design reduces the number of parts, lowers production costs, enhances functionality, and improves aesthetics by effectively delivering products from containers to users while maintaining efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A bellow having a bellow dome, bellow walls, a bellow rim, and a bellow chamber defined by the shape of the bellow dome and bellow walls may rest on the base rim in a portion of the interior space
Implementation Method 2
The bellow walls may seal against a portion of the base to close or otherwise valve the inlet passage
Data Source
AI summary
Bellow (150, 250, 350) actuated pump (100, 200, 300) devices for dispensing, a product from a container may include a bellow (150, 250, 350) and a base (110, 210, 310) or a bellow (150, 250, 350), a base (110, 210, 310), and a valve (230, 330) wherein actuation of the bellow (150, 250, 350) dispenses a product and the de-actuation of the bellow (150, 250, 350) refills the pump (100, 200, 300) for the next actuation.