Discharger Stopper Segmentation Prevents Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional discharge devices fail to reliably prevent the discharge of contents when not in use, as the stopper can be inadvertently pushed down, allowing contents to leak out.

Innovation Solution

The discharge device incorporates a stopper that moves to a restricted position to contact the first and second locked portions of the discharge head, preventing downward movement, and includes supporting mechanisms to stabilize the discharge head, ensuring it remains locked in place even when external forces are applied.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stopper is provided between the support portion and press-down member to prevent rotation, then the discharge head is protected from unintended movement, but the stopper itself can be pushed down when force is applied to the discharge nozzle body, allowing contents to leak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintended dischargeVSAvoidaccidental discharge when force applied
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper is divided into multiple functional parts: a stopper body that blocks the discharge hole, and multiple locked portions (first locked portion on the stem, second locked portions on the mounting tube portion) that engage with corresponding restricting portions. This segmentation allows the stopper to provide both sealing function and mechanical locking function independently, preventing accidental discharge while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper is configured to be movable between a restricted position where it contacts the first and second locked portions to prevent downward movement, and a non-restricted position where it allows discharge. The locked portions protrude in advance to engage with the restricting portions before any unintended force is applied, providing preliminary mechanical prevention against accidental discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the stopper is sandwiched between the support portion and press-down member, then it prevents the press-down member from rotating downward, but it does not prevent the discharge head from being pushed down when force is applied directly to it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidresistance to external force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The stopping mechanism is segmented into multiple locked portions distributed at different locations: the first locked portion on the stem and the second locked portions on the mounting tube portion. This distribution allows the stopper to resist external forces applied to the discharge head at multiple points, providing both sealing function and mechanical strength against unintended discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides both the sealing function (by blocking the discharge hole) and the mechanical locking function (by engaging with multiple locked portions). This merging allows the stopper to simultaneously maintain reliability for preventing unintended discharge and provide sufficient strength to resist external forces applied to the discharge head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3450345B1discharger
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO LTD
  • EP3450345B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3450345B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3450345B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a discharge device (1) including a pump (14) disposed to a container body (2) in which contents are stored and which includes a discharge head (13) provided with a discharge hole (13A) formed therein; a mounting cap (11); a support portion (15); and a press-down member (16). By rotating the press-down member (16), the discharge head (13) is moved downward and the contents are discharged from the discharge hole (13A). The discharge device (1) includes a stopper (130) which is movable between a restricted position where the downward movement of the discharge head (13) is restricted and a non-restricted position where the downward movement of the discharge head (13) is allowed.