Fluid Cartridge Dispenser Assembly With Switchable Spring Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid product dispensers require complex assembly operations involving simultaneous pressurization and module connection, which demands dexterity and strength, often leading to liquid loss due to improper handling.

Innovation Solution

The dispenser design allows for consecutive assembly and pressurization of modules, with the spring support movable between active and rest positions, enabling easy connection without spring pressure during assembly and automatic disarming when the cartridge is empty.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If the spring is compressed during module assembly to pressurize the fluid cartridge, then the fluid product is pressurized for dispensing, but the assembly operation becomes complex and difficult requiring dexterity and strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid product pressureVSAvoidmodule assembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the operation into two separate phases: assembly phase and pressurization phase. During assembly, the support is in the rest position with the spring relaxed, allowing easy connection of modules. After assembly, the support is moved to the active position to compress the spring and pressurize the fluid. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the pressurization function from the assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support is designed to be moved to the active position after module assembly is complete. This preliminary sequencing ensures that the spring is only compressed when the cartridge is already in place, eliminating the need for dexterity and strength during assembly while still achieving the necessary pressurization for fluid dispensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stress or pressure

If the spring is compressed during module assembly, then the fluid product is pressurized, but improper handling leads to loss of liquid product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid product pressureVSAvoidliquid product loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By separating assembly and pressurization into distinct phases, the invention prevents liquid loss during assembly when the spring should not be compressed. The support remains in the rest position during assembly, keeping the fluid at atmospheric pressure and preventing accidental dispensing or leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention incorporates a sealing mechanism that detects when the cartridge is properly installed before allowing spring compression. The seal ensures the cartridge is securely in place before pressurization begins, providing feedback control that prevents liquid loss from improper handling during the pressurization process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stress or pressure

If the support is fixed in the active position, then the spring continuously pressurizes the fluid, but the cartridge cannot be easily replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid product pressureVSAvoidcartridge replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support is designed as a movable component that can transition between the rest position and active position. During cartridge replacement, the support is moved to the rest position to release spring pressure, allowing easy removal and installation of cartridges. After replacement, the support is moved back to the active position to resume pressurization. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between maintaining continuous pressure and enabling easy replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates easy replacement of fluid cartridges by disengaging spring pressure during assembly, providing visual, audible, and tactile indications of emptiness, ensuring seamless operation and reducing liquid loss.

Implementation Method 1

a spring resting on a support, so as to move the movable wall to expel fluid product out of the fluid product cartridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the spring acts between the thrust head and the support, causing the thrust and support members to move apart

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the spring is compressed and a rest position in which the spring is relaxed. This allows the reservoir module to be connected to the dispensing module with the support in the rest position, and then the support to be moved to the active position. Thus, the spring does not act on the cartridge during module assembly: the fluid stored in the cartridge is at atmospheric pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4479120B1Fluid product dispenser
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP4479120B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4479120B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP4479120B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4d

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispenser comprising: a - a reservoir module (R') comprising a case (RT) for accommodating a fluid product cartridge (C) defining a movable wall (C2) biased by a spring (R4) resting on a bearing (R31); b - a dispensing module comprising an outlet valve for controlling the passage of the fluid product released under pressure from the fluid product cartridge (C), wherein the reservoir module (R') is removably connected to the dispensing module, characterised in that the bearing (R31) of the spring (R4) is movable relative to the casing (R1') between an active position in which the spring (R4) is compressed and a rest position in which the spring (R4) is relaxed, thereby allowing the reservoir module (R') to be connected to the dispensing module with the bearing (R31) in the rest position and the bearing (R31) subsequently in the active position.