Refillable Diffuser Valve Assembly and Pocket Filling Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Filling the pocket of refillable diffuser boxes is challenging due to the need to pass the product through the valve in an opposite direction and the difficulty of assembling the valve on the dome without obstructing the pocket, especially when the pressure is low.

Innovation Solution

The method involves placing a seal at the bottom of the housing before snapping the crimping profile of the cup into the housing, optionally gluing the crimping profile, and fixing the valve directly under the cover, allowing for easier assembly and filling of the pocket before mounting it on the valve, with features like a circular housing for the cup and annular upper wall for improved retention and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the cup is crimped on the dome before filling the pocket, then the valve assembly is complete, but the pocket cannot be filled because the dome obstructs the receiving hole

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve assembly completenessVSAvoidpocket filling accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cup is crimped on the dome in advance during valve assembly, but the dome is designed with a removable or open configuration that allows pocket insertion before final sealing. This preliminary assembly approach enables both complete valve preparation and subsequent pocket filling without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The valve assembly process is divided into segments: first crimping the cup on the dome, then removing or opening the dome to allow pocket insertion, and finally reassembling or sealing the dome. This segmentation allows each operation to be performed without interference from other components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the dome is removed to allow pocket filling, then the pocket can be filled easily, but the valve assembly cannot be completed properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepocket filling accessibilityVSAvoidvalve assembly completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cup is crimped on the dome in advance during valve assembly, but the dome is designed with a removable or open configuration that allows pocket insertion before final sealing. This preliminary assembly approach enables both complete valve preparation and subsequent pocket filling without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dome transitions from a closed obstructing state during assembly to an open accessible state during pocket filling, then returns to a closed sealed state for final assembly. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the dome to serve different functions at different stages of the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional crimping method is used, then the cup is securely fixed on the dome, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecup retention securityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cup crimping operation is merged with the dome assembly process, allowing the cup to be crimped directly on the dome in a single integrated operation rather than as a separate step. This reduces the number of discrete assembly operations while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cup is crimped on the dome in advance during valve assembly, but the dome is designed with a removable or open configuration that allows pocket insertion before final sealing. This preliminary assembly approach enables both complete valve preparation and subsequent pocket filling without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2551215B1Method for manufacturing a recharging device for a rechargeable diffuser housing and adapted recharging device
Publication Date: 2016.02.03 INOSPRAY
  • EP2551215B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2551215B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2551215B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The method involves providing a pocket that is open on one side, and filling the pocket by a metering device. The pocket is attached to a valve (3a) by welding the pocket on a lower tube (3c) of the valve, where a body (31) of the valve projects from the pocket. The valve is assembled with a cover (4a) for closing a refillable diffuser housing by a lower part of the cover. The valve is secured to a cup (32) with a pressing contour (35), where product characteristics are printed on the pocket and/or a label is bonded on the pocket before filling the pocket. An independent claim is also included for a recharging device for a rechargeable diffuser housing.