Replaceable Container Foam Pump for Leak-Resistant Refilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid dispensers with integral pump mechanisms face issues such as wear and breakage due to direct force application, require complex maintenance, and have limited dispensing directions, while those with separate liquid containers suffer from leakage during refilling.

Innovation Solution

A liquid container with a foam pump and nozzle cap that is integral with the container, allowing activation by displacement in a specific direction, reducing the need for complex mechanisms and minimizing moving parts, and featuring a locking collar for secure dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an integral foam pump mechanism is incorporated into the dispenser, then liquid leakage during refilling is prevented, but the complexity of the dispenser increases due to additional moving parts requiring maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid leakage preventionVSAvoiddispenser structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a simple dispenser housing and a replaceable liquid container assembly that includes the foam pump. This segmentation allows the pump to be integrated with the container rather than the dispenser, reducing the complexity of the permanent dispenser structure while preventing leakage through proper integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The replaceable liquid container assembly serves multiple functions: it contains the liquid, houses the foam pump mechanism, and provides the dispensing function. This multi-functionality consolidates components that would otherwise be separate, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable liquid containment and dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the foam pump is activated by direct force application, then the dispensing action is immediate, but the pump mechanism experiences wear and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidpump mechanism durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible connecting member is introduced as an intermediary between the user's direct force application and the foam pump mechanism. This flexible member transmits the activating force while dampening peak loads and reducing shock, thereby maintaining immediate dispensing action while protecting the pump from wear and breakage caused by direct force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a manual dispensing mechanism with levers and buttons is used, then precise control over dispensing is achieved, but the number of moving parts increases requiring regular maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing control precisionVSAvoidnumber of moving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foam pump mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the flexible connecting member that translates user hand motion directly into pump activation. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex levers, buttons, and springs, reducing the number of moving parts while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive hand activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the liquid container is upended during refilling, then rapid refilling is possible, but liquid leakage occurs due to poor sealing between container and pump

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling speedVSAvoidsealing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The foam pump mechanism is merged with the liquid container assembly, creating an integrated unit where the pump, container, and sealing elements form a unified structure. This merging ensures that sealing interfaces are built into the container-pump assembly itself, maintaining reliable seals during rapid refilling operations even when the container is upended, while enabling quick refilling by treating the entire assembly as a single replaceable unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the dispenser and liquid container combination, reducing maintenance needs, improving refilling accuracy, and ensuring efficient and ergonomic dispensing without leakage, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective structure.

Implementation Method 1

activation of the foam pump in a first direction (V) discharges a quantity of the liquid in the form of a foam from the liquid reservoir via the foam pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP2566377B1Dispenser and liquid container

Publication Date: 2018.01.03 SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB

Figure 1
Figure 1A
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AI summary

There is provided a liquid container for a dispenser. A nozzle cap is arranged to at least partly enclose the foam pump during storage, transport and use of the liquid container. The nozzle cap is integral with the replaceable liquid container and is displaceable in the first direction (V) so as to activate the foam pump in said first direction (V). The first end surface of the nozzle cap comprises a dispensing opening aligned with the foam pump through which a quantity of said liquid in the form of a foam is discharged upon activation of said foam pump.