Beverage Dispenser Actuator Tip Diffuser to Reduce Drip and Splatter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pump dispensers suffer from inefficient fluid delivery, leading to unwanted splattering and dripping of flavoring fluids, resulting in product loss and potential contamination, especially when dealing with viscous fluids.

Innovation Solution

A retrofittable actuator tip diffuser with a scatter flow design, featuring a plurality of tapered or irregularly shaped openings and a center outer ring, is attached to existing pump dispensers to minimize splattering and dripping by creating individual streams and controlling fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single outlet channel is used in conventional dispensing pumps, then the device structure is simple, but fluid delivery is inefficient causing splattering and dripping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery efficiencyVSAvoidoutlet channel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single outlet channel is divided into multiple outlet channels (first, second, third, and fourth outlet channels) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the fluid to be distributed through multiple pathways, improving delivery efficiency and reducing splattering while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple outlet channels are merged into a single diffuser tip assembly that integrates with the pump body. The outlets are positioned at different angles and orientations to work together as a unified system, achieving efficient fluid delivery without requiring separate dispensing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the actuator head and flow channel are inclined downward, then dispensing operation is facilitated, but dripping of viscous fluids occurs after dispensing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing operationVSAvoidfluid dripping loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying solely on the downward inclination to facilitate dispensing, the outlet channels are configured to discharge fluid in multiple directions including upward and lateral orientations. This inversion of the expected discharge direction prevents gravity-driven dripping while maintaining ease of operation during active dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

Different outlet channels have different orientations and discharge characteristics tailored to their specific positions. The first and second outlet channels discharge in one direction while the third and fourth discharge in another direction, creating localized flow patterns that prevent dripping in the downward direction while facilitating easy dispensing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a simple hand-actuator dispenser pump is used, then the device is easy to operate, but unwanted loss of flavoring fluid occurs due to splashing and splattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand-actuator operationVSAvoidflavoring fluid loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The single fluid stream from hand-actuation is segmented into multiple smaller streams through the multiple outlet channels. This segmentation reduces the kinetic energy and splashing potential of each individual stream while maintaining the overall dispensing function, thereby minimizing fluid loss during easy hand-operated dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If conventional outlets and dispensing nozzles are used, then the device structure is simple, but product loss occurs due to dripping when dispenser is not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct retentionVSAvoidoutlet and nozzle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet channels are designed with specific orientations and discharge angles tailored to their local positions. This local quality optimization ensures that fluid discharge patterns prevent pooling and dripping at each outlet, improving product retention without requiring complex additional components or mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11317757B2Beverage dispenser with reduced drip and splatter diffuser tip

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 RIEKE LLC

AI summary

An actuator tip diffuser may be retrofitted onto existing pump dispensers to create a scatter flow. The scatter flow can be induced by using patterns with larger area sections produce separate, individual streams. Increasing the length of the orifice adapter and adding a center outer ring also reduced spatter. In all instances, the actuator tip diffuser includes a through-channel, with an inlet fitted to the existing actuator nozzle on one end and a downwardly disposed outlet for discharging fluid via the pattern of orifices/structure noted above. The tip may also include one or more retainer tabs to create a snap fitting to existing dispenser pumps.