Dispenser System With Air Pump Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispenser systems for pasty media, such as creams and lotions, face challenges in efficiently dispensing and refilling due to the need for pressurized storage, which is not suitable for all mediums and can lead to pressure issues during use.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system with a storage container under normal pressure, equipped with an air pump system and a ventilation system in the second discharge head, allowing for pressure equalization and enabling the use of pasty media by producing a positive pressure to convey the medium from the storage container to the first dispenser module, while preventing undesirable pressure rises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressurized storage is used to dispense medium, then dispensing efficiency is improved, but pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the storage function (second dispenser module with storage container) from the dispensing function (first dispenser module with discharge head). The storage container stores medium under normal pressure, while the first dispenser module handles pressurized dispensing operations. This segmentation allows efficient dispensing without requiring the entire system to be pressurized, reducing overall pressure control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling device with a coupling element acts as an intermediary between the storage container and the first dispenser module. During refilling, the coupling element connects to both modules and enables controlled pressure transfer and medium transfer. This intermediary mechanism manages pressure control complexity by providing a controlled interface for pressure equalization and medium transfer.
2Reliability
If storage container is sealed for medium storage, then medium protection is improved, but pressure equalization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pressure equalization through the ventilation system before medium discharge. The ventilation system includes a non-return valve that allows air to enter the storage container during refilling operations, equalizing pressure in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the sealed storage container can be properly refilled without pressure differential issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system with non-return valve extracts the pressure equalization function from the main sealed storage system. The non-return valve allows selective opening for pressure equalization during refilling while maintaining the sealed state during normal storage and dispensing. This extraction allows the storage container to remain sealed for protection while enabling pressure equalization when needed.
3Quantity of substance
If refilling operation is performed, then medium supply is improved, but pressure control issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system with non-return valve provides feedback control for pressure management during refilling. As medium is transferred from the storage container to the first dispenser module, the non-return valve automatically opens to allow air entry when pressure drops, and closes when pressure equalizes. This feedback mechanism maintains pressure control during the refilling operation, enabling continuous medium supply without pressure control issues.
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
The system allows for cost-effective and efficient refilling and dispensing of various mediums, including pasty ones, by maintaining normal pressure and using an air pump system to create a positive pressure for medium conveyance, ensuring reliable operation without the need for special measures at the storage container.
Implementation Method 1
the ventilation system is provided for the purpose of equalizing the pressure in the storage container when the medium is discharged
Implementation Method 2
the air pump system is actuable in order to convey air via the ventilation system into the storage container... producing a positive pressure to convey the medium out of the storage container
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser system including a first dispenser module having a medium chamber fillable with medium, a first discharge head actuable for discharging medium from the medium chamber, a refilling opening, and a second dispenser module coupleable to the first dispenser module for refilling the latter. The second dispenser module has a storage container for medium, and a second discharge head. In the decoupled state of the dispenser modules, the second discharge head is actuable for discharging the medium out of the storage container and has a discharge opening. The second discharge head has a ventilation system for equalizing the pressure in the storage container when the medium is discharged. The dispenser system has an air pump system. In the coupled state of the dispenser modules, the air pump system is fluidly coupled to the ventilation system and conveys air via the ventilation system into the storage container.