Captive Valve Plastomer Spring for Drip-Free Fluid Pumps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing pumps face challenges in achieving leak-free, reliable, and economical operation, especially for volatile or viscous liquids, while also requiring accurate flow control and integration into existing dispensing systems, which is complicated by the need for complex and expensive designs.
Innovation Solution
A plastomer spring with axial compressibility and a captive valve system that includes a valve chamber with a moveable valve element and biasing spring, allowing for design flexibility and integration into existing systems, while being economical and environmentally friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex and expensive pump designs are used to achieve leak-free operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element and valve into a single integrated component called a 'captive valve spring assembly'. The valve is formed as an integral part of the spring structure, eliminating the need for separate valve components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining leak-free operation through the captured valve mechanism within the spring's internal structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for spring and valve, then design flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring and valve are merged into a single captive valve spring assembly where the valve is formed integrally with the spring structure. This reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining design flexibility through the ability to configure the valve within the spring's internal geometry and to select from different spring materials and designs
3Ease of operation
If axial force pumps are used for integration into existing dispensing systems, then ease of operation is improved, but reliable leak-free operation becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The captive valve spring assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates axial compression force into controlled fluid displacement. The spring's elastic deformation under axial load creates pressure changes that drive the integrated valve to open and close, enabling reliable leak-free dispensing through the axial motion without requiring complex valve mechanisms
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 plastomer spring provides a reliable, drip-free, and hygienic dispensing solution that is simple to produce and integrate, offering improved design freedom and compatibility with various fluid types without the need for complex manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the spring being compressible in an axial direction of the spring from an initial condition to a compressed condition
Implementation Method 2
the valve chamber including a valve seat against which the first valve element may seal to prevent fluid flow through the valve chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a fluid pump including a plastomer spring with a captive valve element provided in an integrally formed valve chamber. The spring includes a first end portion and a second end portion and one or more spring sections connecting the first end portion to the second end portion, which spring sections can be compressed in the axial direction from an initial condition to a compressed condition and can subsequently expand to their initial condition. The valve chamber is formed in the first end portion.