Formula Cartridge Valve Plug Assembly for Leak-Free Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems for formula cartridges often experience leakage during multiple uses, both before and after insertion into electronic dispensing devices, leading to inefficiencies and product waste.
Innovation Solution
A valve system featuring a silicone valve plug compressed between a valve body and a valve cap, with a slit design for controlled formula flow and a coating to prevent leakage, ensuring secure sealing during manufacturing, use, and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional valve system is used in a formula cartridge, then the cartridge can be manufactured and stored, but leakage occurs during multiple uses and between manufacturing and consumer use
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plug is pre-compressed between the valve body and valve cap during manufacturing to establish an initial seal. This preliminary compression ensures the valve is leak-proof from manufacturing through storage to consumer use, addressing the reliability issue across the entire product lifecycle before actual dispensing begins
Solution Approach 2:
The silicone valve plug's compressibility parameter is utilized to maintain sealing effectiveness. The material properties of silicone allow it to deform and conform under compression, creating a reliable seal that prevents leakage during multiple uses while maintaining structural integrity
2Reliability
If the valve is sealed to prevent leakage, then product waste is reduced, but proper flow of formula during dispensing must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic dispensing state. During non-use, the compressed valve plug maintains a tight seal. During dispensing, the electronic device's pump mechanism applies force that overcomes the valve's sealing force, dynamically opening the flow path while maintaining leak prevention during storage and transport
Solution Approach 2:
The valve plug acts as an intermediary element between the sealed cartridge and the dispensing mechanism. It mediates between the need for leak-proof storage and the requirement for controlled flow during use, allowing the system to switch between these two states without compromising either function
3Reliability
If the valve system is designed for secure sealing, then leakage is prevented, but the complexity of the valve components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plug, valve body, and valve cap are combined into an integrated valve assembly. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure while maintaining secure sealing, as the compressed plug between body and cap creates the seal without requiring additional sealing elements or complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The silicone valve plug utilizes the properties of flexible elastomeric material to create an effective seal. The flexibility of the silicone allows it to conform to the valve body and cap surfaces, creating a reliable seal with a simple component design rather than requiring precision-machined rigid seals or complex gasket 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
The valve system effectively prevents leakage between manufacturing and consumer use, ensuring proper formula dispensing and maintaining a leak-proof seal when the cartridge is engaged or disengaged from the device, thus enhancing product usability and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
the valve includes a silicone valve plug compressed between a valve body and a valve cap
Implementation Method 2
the silicone valve plug is selected from a silicone or silicone copolymer or derivatives thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system comprises: a valve body; a valve cap; and a valve plug between the valve body and valve cap is compressed radially and axially, and a central bore extends wholly through the valve body and valve cap and partially through the valve plug. The valve system is welded to a packet which can contain a hair color formula. One or more of the packets are then used in a cartridge compatible with a dispensing device.