Modular Closure Device for Pasty Products Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for pasty products, such as creams and ointments, face challenges in maintaining reliable closure mechanisms, especially under varying external pressures, leading to unintended opening issues, and require complex assembly and limited movement due to the use of additional components like closed bells.
Innovation Solution
A simplified closure device comprising a nozzle, a high valve with a deformable membrane, and a bell, where the membrane deforms to push the shutter towards the advanced position upon cavity depression, eliminating the need for additional springs and allowing for a more integral assembly with only three distinct parts, thus simplifying the assembly process and enhancing the dispensing device's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed bell is added to maintain stable pressure behind the membrane, then reliability of closure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bell structure with the nozzle by fixing the bell to the nozzle outer wall, creating an integrated assembly. This eliminates the need for separate assembly of these components while maintaining the pressure-stabilizing function of the bell, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The upper valve is segmented into distinct functional components: the membrane for pressure sensing, the shutter for flow control, and the rigid skeleton for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in a standardized manner, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining reliable closure function
2Stability of the object's composition
If a sealed chamber is used at the rear of the upper valve, then pressure stability is improved, but the opening movement of the upper valve is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space conflict by positioning the bell laterally adjacent to the dosing chamber rather than behind it. The bell is fixed to the nozzle outer wall and contains its own separate cavity, allowing the membrane sufficient movement space in the lateral dimension while the sealed chamber provides pressure stability in the longitudinal dimension
3Stress or pressure
If the upper valve moves within a small sealed chamber, then pressure control is improved, but overpressure restricts valve opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication passage that connects the bell cavity to the external environment, allowing pressure equalization. This intermediary passage prevents overpressure buildup in the bell cavity during valve operation, enabling the valve to open fully while the bell still provides pressure control through the membrane mechanism
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient closure mechanism that operates without external springs, maintains good guidance and force transmission, and reduces dead volumes, while ensuring the device can function effectively across different pressure conditions, enhancing the overall performance and ease of assembly of the dispensing device.
Implementation Method 1
a depression inside the cavity causes a deformation of the membrane towards the inside of the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a deformable membrane sealing the rear opening... causes a deformation of the membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular closure device (7) for a device for dispensing a product, comprising: – an outlet nozzle (9) comprising: an outlet orifice (15) at the front, a rear opening, a product intake orifice, – top valve comprising a shut-off member (17) that closes of the outlet orifice, a deformable membrane (22) that seals the rear opening closed, designed so that a depression inside the nozzlee forces the shut-off member toward its closed position, and a rigid frame extending between the outlet orifice and the membrane; – a bell housing having an end wall and base opening opposite this end wall, the edges of the base opening being fixed to the nozzle, the membrane sealing the base opening closed. The invention also relates to a dispensing device comprising this closure device.