Container Dispensing Pump Refilling With Alternating Pressure Air Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with dispensing pumps are often designed as single-use items due to their non-removable assembly, leading to ecological waste and inefficiencies in refilling, particularly in industries like perfumery and cosmetics.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for refilling containers with dispensing pumps by positioning the container upside down, using an air passage to connect with a refilling cartridge, alternating pressure increases and decreases to transfer liquid while managing air pressure within the container, and employing a piston to control fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the dispensing pump is assembled on the container in a non-removable manner, then the pump assembly is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the container becomes single-use and cannot be refilled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pump assembly into two parts: a permanent pump body fixed to the container, and a removable pump head that can be detached and replaced. This allows the container to be refilled by removing the old pump head and installing a new one, while keeping the pump body permanently attached to simplify manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump head is designed as a disposable component that can be discarded after use, while the container and pump body are recovered and reused. This enables refilling of the container with a new pump head, reducing waste compared to discarding the entire container.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the container is refilled by conventional methods, then refilling capability is achieved, but the pump assembly becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the pump into a permanent body and a removable head, the invention achieves refillability without requiring a complex disassembly and reassembly mechanism. The simple segmentation allows the pump body to remain permanently attached while only the pump head needs to be replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump head is designed as an inexpensive, disposable component that can be easily replaced. This approach is more economical than designing a complex reversible assembly mechanism, as the cost of a simple disposable pump head is lower than the complexity of a removable and reattachable pump system.
3Productivity
If pressure is increased to force liquid into the container during refilling, then refilling speed is improved, but the container may be damaged due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter dynamically during the refilling process. Pressure is increased above atmospheric pressure to force liquid into the container for efficient refilling, but the pressure is controlled to remain below the damage threshold of the container, thus maintaining both refilling speed and container integrity.
4Ease of operation
If the container is positioned upside down during refilling, then liquid transfer is facilitated, but air trapped in the container may cause pressure issues
Solution Approach 1:
The refilling process uses periodic alternation between positive pressure (to push liquid in) and negative pressure (to remove air). This periodic action allows trapped air to be evacuated during the negative pressure phases, preventing pressure buildup while maintaining efficient liquid transfer during positive pressure phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically changes the pressure parameter during refilling, alternating between positive and negative pressure. This parameter change allows air to be removed during negative pressure phases while liquid is forced in during positive pressure phases, solving both the liquid transfer efficiency and air pressure problems.
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
Enables efficient refilling of containers with dispensing pumps, reducing waste and ecological impact by allowing multiple uses, while ensuring safe pressure management to prevent container damage.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the pressure to which the refilling liquid in the interior of the refilling cartridge is subjected, thereby causing the passage of part of the liquid to the inner volume
Implementation Method 2
reducing the pressure to which the refilling liquid in the interior of the refilling cartridge is subjected to a value less than the pressure in the inner volume, thereby allowing part of the air under pressure in the inner volume to pass to the interior of the refilling cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
Method for refilling a container with a dispensing pump assembled on its neck, comprising the following steps: [1] positioning the container upside right, and fluidically connecting the interior of a refilling cartridge with a refilling liquid with an air passage present in the pump and that communicates the inner volume of the container with the exterior in a specific position of the piston of the pump, [2] moving the piston until a fluidic communication is established between the interior of the refilling cartridge and the inner volume through the air passage, [3] increasing the pressure to which the liquid in the interior of the refilling cartridge is subjected, thereby causing the passage of part of the liquid to the inner volume, thereby increasing the pressure in the inner volume, [4] reducing the pressure in the interior of the refilling cartridge to a value less than the pressure in the inner volume, thereby allowing air to pass from the inner volume to the interior of the refilling cartridge through the air passage, [5] repeating steps [3] and [4] at least once, [6] disconnecting the refilling cartridge.