Liquid Dispenser Air Flow Passage for Non-Collapsible Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensers are not suitable for non-collapsible containers, as they cannot admit air to replace the volume of liquid dispensed, leading to incomplete dispensing and potential airlock issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an air flow passage in the inner tube that bypasses the peripheral seal, allowing atmospheric air to enter the container as the inner tube moves to the open position, ensuring that the volume of dispensed liquid is replaced by air flowing in through the discharge opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liquid dispenser uses a peripheral seal to seal the annular space between inner and outer tubes, then liquid containment and controlled dispensing are achieved, but air cannot enter the container to replace dispensed liquid volume
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube is segmented into two functional zones: a lower liquid flow opening for dispensing liquid, and an upper air flow passage for admitting air. This segmentation allows the seal to be bypassed selectively - liquid flows through the lower opening while air enters through the upper passage, resolving the contradiction between maintaining liquid containment and allowing air entry for non-collapsible containers
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow passage acts as an intermediary pathway that bypasses the peripheral seal. By positioning the air flow passage upper end to communicate with the annular space through which the inner tube moves, air can enter the container without compromising the liquid seal, enabling compatibility with non-collapsible containers while maintaining reliable liquid containment
2Productivity
If the inner tube is moved to the open position to dispense liquid, then liquid flow is enabled, but air cannot simultaneously enter to replace liquid volume
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow passage is pre-positioned in the inner tube such that when the inner tube is moved to the open position, the upper end of the air flow passage automatically aligns with the annular space. This preliminary positioning ensures that as soon as liquid begins to flow out, air can simultaneously enter through the air flow passage, preventing airlocks and enabling complete dispensing
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a vertical dimension to the flow paths by positioning the liquid flow opening at the lower end and the air flow passage at the upper end of the inner tube. This dimensional separation allows liquid and air to flow simultaneously in opposite directions through different zones of the same tube, resolving the contradiction between high productivity and complete dispensing
3Ease of operation
If the liquid flow opening is positioned to communicate with the discharge opening, then liquid dispensing is enabled, but air flow path is blocked by the peripheral seal
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube is divided into distinct functional segments: the lower portion contains the liquid flow opening for easy liquid activation, while the upper portion contains the air flow passage. This segmentation simplifies operation - users only need to move the inner tube to activate liquid flow, while the air path is automatically configured through the upper passage without requiring additional user action or complex mechanisms
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 solution allows for complete dispensing of liquid from non-collapsible containers by replacing the volume of liquid with atmospheric air, preventing airlocks and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
an annular sealing member which forms a peripheral seal with the inner and outer tubes
Implementation Method 2
The web and its connections to the tubes 2 and 4 are resilient
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispenser includes an outer tube (2) with a discharge opening formed in its side wall and an inner tube (4), which is at least partially accomodated within the outer tube and defines with it an annular space, which accomodates an annular sealing member (20), which forms a peripheral seal with the inner and outer tubes. The other end of the outer tube is adapted for connection to a liquid container. A liquid flow opening (30) is formed in the wall of the inner tube and the inner tube is movable longitudinally within the outer tube between an open position, in which the liquid flow opening communicates with the discharge opening (14), and a closed position, in which the liquid flow path is sealed. An air flow passage with two ends is formed in the inner tube, which is so arranged that when the inner tube is in the open position one of the ends communicates with the discharge opening and the air flow passage.