Decoupled Gas Buffer for Liquid Dispensing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for liquids lack optimal configuration and manufacturing flexibility, as the gas buffer is integrated with the pump and outlet channel, limiting independent optimization and varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
Decoupling the gas buffer from the outlet channel allows for separate production and assembly, enabling independent optimization of buffer and channel configurations, with the buffer extending in a different direction than the outlet channel, and incorporating a pre-compression valve to set dispensing pressure limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the gas buffer is integrated with the pump and outlet channel, then the device structure is compact, but the manufacturing flexibility and optimization capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: the pump assembly and the gas buffer are decoupled and can be manufactured independently. The gas buffer extends from the pressure side of the pump in a different direction than the outlet channel, allowing separate production and assembly of these components while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas buffer is extracted from the integrated pump-outlet channel structure and positioned separately. This extraction allows the outlet channel configuration to be optimized for liquid flow while the gas buffer can be independently optimized for gas storage and pressure regulation functions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the gas buffer is decoupled from the outlet channel, then independent optimization and manufacturing are enabled, but the device requires more assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling of the gas buffer from the outlet channel creates separable manufacturing units that can be precisely optimized independently. The gas buffer can be manufactured to exact specifications for gas storage while the outlet channel can be precisely configured for optimal liquid flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas buffer extends from the pressure side of the pump in a different spatial direction than the outlet channel. This dimensional separation allows both components to be optimized in their respective orientations without interfering with each other's configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If the gas buffer extends in the direction of the container, then efficient packaging is achieved, but the internal pressure distribution may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The gas buffer is positioned to extend into the neck portion of the container, effectively nesting the buffer within the container structure. This nesting arrangement achieves efficient packaging by utilizing the container's internal space while maintaining proper pressure distribution through the buffer's strategic positioning.
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 configuration enhances manufacturing simplicity, reduces production costs, and allows for efficient packaging and optimized liquid flow, preventing dripping and ensuring well-defined sprays without dispersion or inhalation risks.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-filled resiliently deformable body is arranged
Implementation Method 2
the lower limit of the dispensing pressure is the cracking pressure of the pre-compression valve, i.e. the pressure at which the valve opens and closes
Implementation Method 3
a pump having a suction side that is adapted to be brought into fluid communication with the container
Implementation Method 4
spraying the liquid from the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for dispensing a liquid from a container (C), comprising a pump (2) having a suction side (S) that is adapted to be brought into fluid communication with the container (C), a spray nozzle (3) in fluid communication with a pressure side (P) of the pump (2) through an outlet channel (4), a pre-compression valve (5) arranged in the outlet channel (4), and a gas buffer (9) in fluid communication with the pressure side (P) of the pump (2) and with the spray nozzle (3). The gas buffer (9) may comprise a buffer chamber (10) in which a gas-filled resiliently deformable body (11) is arranged, and the gas buffer (9) may extend from the pressure side (P) of the pump (2) in a different direction than the outlet channel (4). The invention further relates to a system for dispensing a liquid, comprising a container (C) that is filled with the liquid and a dispensing device (1) of the type described above connected to the container (C). And the invention relates to a method for dispensing a liquid, comprising the steps of:—drawing the liquid from a container (C) and pressurizing the liquid by actuating a pump (2), wherein the container (C) and the pump (2) form part of a dispensing system;—guiding a part of the pressurized liquid to a spray nozzle (3) of the dispensing system;—spraying the liquid from the nozzle (3);—guiding another part of the pressurized liquid to a gas buffer (9) for temporary storage; and—spraying the stored liquid from the nozzle (3) when the pump (2) is not being actuated; wherein the pressurized liquid is guided from the pump (2) to the spray nozzle (3) in a different direction than from the pump (2) to the gas buffer (9).