Bellows Pump Dispenser for One-Handed Cleaning Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pump dispensers are inefficient for one-handed application of cleaning and disinfecting compositions to substrates like paper towels, as they require two hands to operate and often necessitate water activation or sealed packaging.
Innovation Solution
A pump dispenser system with a bellows-type design, featuring a compressible and expandable bellows with a check valve and flexible layer, allowing for one-handed operation and controlled dispensing of fluid onto a substrate without the need for water activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pump dispensers are used, then fluid can be dispensed, but two hands are required to operate the dispenser and hold the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber is designed with a compressible bellows structure that dynamically changes volume during operation. The bellows expands during the pumping stroke to draw fluid and compresses during the dispensing stroke to pressurize and eject fluid. This dynamic volume change enables one-handed operation while maintaining adequate pumping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows is constructed from flexible material that allows repeated expansion and compression. The flexible diaphragm separates the pump chamber from the actuator chamber, enabling mechanical motion transfer while maintaining fluid isolation. This flexibility is essential for the one-handed pumping mechanism.
2Productivity
If the pump chamber is compressed to pressurize fluid, then fluid can be dispensed, but fluid may flow back into the container
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is positioned at the outlet of the pump chamber to selectively extract and block reverse flow while allowing forward flow. During compression, the check valve closes to prevent fluid from returning to the container. During expansion, the check valve opens to allow fluid intake from the dip tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure differential control through the check valve mechanism. When the pump chamber is compressed, pressure increases and automatically closes the check valve to prevent backflow. When the bellows expands, pressure decreases and the check valve opens to allow fluid intake, creating automatic flow control based on pressure changes.
3Reliability
If a flexible layer with slots is added to prevent fluid passage, then fluid containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible layer with slots is positioned over the pump chamber outlets. This thin film structure provides fluid containment while allowing controlled dispensing through the slots. The flexible material conforms to the pump chamber geometry and integrates with the existing bellows structure without adding significant complexity.
4Productivity
If wet substrates are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but sealed packaging is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pump dispenser pre-loads fluid into the pump chamber during the expansion phase, preparing the dosing mechanism before the dispensing action. This preliminary fluid intake ensures that each pump cycle delivers a controlled amount of fluid without requiring pre-wetting of substrates or sealed packaging systems.
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
Enables convenient, controlled, and efficient application of cleaning compositions to substrates with one hand, improving user experience and reducing the complexity of cleaning steps.
Implementation Method 1
a bellows compressible to a reduced volume and expandable to a resting volume
Implementation Method 2
a bellows compressible to a reduced volume and expandable to a resting volume
Implementation Method 3
a check ball or other inlet valve for preventing fluid to flow from the bellows into the container when the bellows is compressed to the reduced volume, thereby allowing the fluid in the bellows to be pressurized
Implementation Method 4
a flexible layer covering the plurality of orifices and forming an actuator top; at least one of slots or holes formed in the flexible layer, wherein the slots or holes prevent passage of fluid from the actuator top into the inside volume
Data Source
AI summary
A pump dispenser has a large ergonomic actuator designed to ergonomically deliver a composition to a substrate in the consumer's hand without the consumer having to pick up the pump dispenser. The ergonomic design allows the composition to be delivered in a proper aspect ratio to the substrate. The composition can be delivered in such a way that the composition is not aerosolized into the air or delivered to an unintended surface. The method of delivery can be made intuitive to the consumer by providing an actuator skirt that suggests the pumping mechanism or by providing a depiction of a hand or substrate over the pump dispenser. The pump dispenser is also useful for compositions or substrates that are not stable together.