Bifurcated Foam Pump Assembly for Reusable Air Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foam generating pumps are more expensive than liquid dispensing pumps due to the need for both air and liquid components, leading to increased costs for disposable cartridges, and existing designs do not allow for the separation of air and liquid pump portions, necessitating unnecessary replacement of the air compressor.
Innovation Solution
A bifurcated foam pump design where the air compressor is a fixed part of the dispenser housing and the liquid pump is a disposable part of the cartridge, allowing for cost-effective production and easy replacement of the liquid pump while maintaining the air compressor's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete foam generating pump is included in each disposable cartridge, then foam generation capability is ensured, but the cost of disposable cartridges increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into two distinct parts: a reusable air compressor portion housed in the dispenser and a disposable liquid pump portion integrated with the cartridge. This segmentation allows the expensive air compressor to be reused across multiple cartridges while only the simpler liquid pump portion is discarded with each cartridge, significantly reducing per-cartridge costs while maintaining complete foam generation capability.
2Reliability
If the air compressor is integrated into the disposable cartridge, then complete pump functionality is achieved, but unnecessary components are replaced increasing waste and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The design implements a recover and reuse strategy for the air compressor portion of the pump system. Instead of discarding the entire pump with each cartridge, the durable air compressor is recovered and retained in the dispenser housing, while only the consumable liquid pump portion is discarded. This reduces component waste and lowers the frequency of replacements needed.
3Reliability
If a traditional foam generating pump design is used, then foam generation is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to integrated air and liquid components
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into separate air compression and liquid pumping functions housed in different locations. The air compressor remains in the dispenser while the liquid pump is integrated with the cartridge. This spatial segmentation simplifies the structure within each component and reduces overall system complexity by allowing independent optimization of each subsystem.
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 design reduces costs by allowing the air compressor to be reused with multiple cartridges and ensures high-quality foam generation with minimal modifications to existing dispensers, making the system more economical and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor portion (18) attached to the dispenser housing (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A bifurcated stem foam pump for use in foam dispensers. An air compressor portion of the bifurcated pump is attached to and maintained as a portion of the dispenser housing. A portion of the pump for transferring liquid and including a portion for generating foam is attached to and provided as a portion of a replaceable liquid-containing cartridge in the foam dispenser. The two portions mate and form a completed pump assembly operative for generating foam from the liquid of the cartridge when the cartridge is placed within the dispenser housing and the two pump portions are mated. The air compressor portion includes a collar having an air piston reciprocatingly received therein. The collar is attached to the dispenser housing. A collar receiving a hollow stem pump is attached to the liquid cartridge. Actuation of the air piston correspondingly actuates the stem pump such that air and liquid are forced together in the stem pump and through a foam generating member.