Fluid Dispenser End Stop Structure for Retaining Ring Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art dispensers face issues with accidental damage to the retaining ring due to excessive compression, require oversized or excessively rigid springs, and can experience malfunctions from ball sticking, leading to design constraints and potential fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
The dispenser incorporates an end stop structure integral with the containment body to manage compression forces and prevent overloading of the retaining ring, eliminating the need for springs and addressing sticking issues with a redesigned configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the spring is positioned between the stem and the retaining ring to prevent excessive piston insertion, then the piston is protected from damage, but the retaining ring is subjected to excessive compression forces that may damage it
Solution Approach 1:
An end stop structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the stem and the retaining ring. This end stop structure absorbs the excessive compression forces during assembly, preventing them from being transmitted to the retaining ring, while still providing the necessary limitation on piston insertion depth to protect the piston from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission path is segmented by introducing the end stop structure as a separate functional element. Instead of having the spring directly transmit forces to the retaining ring, the force path is divided into: stem → end stop structure → containment body, thereby isolating the retaining ring from damaging compression forces while maintaining piston protection.
2Strength
If the spring is made oversized or excessively rigid to prevent piston damage, then the piston is adequately protected, but the device complexity and design constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end stop structure serves as a mediator that takes over the function of limiting piston insertion depth. This allows the spring to be designed with normal dimensions and properties, as the end stop structure provides the mechanical limitation without requiring the spring to be oversized or excessively rigid, thereby reducing design constraints and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of limiting piston insertion is extracted from the spring and assigned to a dedicated end stop structure. This separation of functions allows the spring to focus solely on providing return force, while the end stop structure handles the mechanical limitation, simplifying the spring design and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the retaining ring is used to contrast compression forces during assembly, then the dispenser can be assembled, but the fluid tightness functionality of the retaining ring may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The end stop structure acts as an intermediary that absorbs assembly compression forces, preventing them from being transmitted to the retaining ring. This protects the retaining ring's engagement with the containment body, ensuring that the fluid tightness seal between the retaining ring and containment body remains intact and functional after assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The end stop structure provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned to contact the stem first during assembly. This cushioning effect prevents excessive compression forces from reaching the retaining ring, thereby protecting the fluid tightness seal from being compromised during the assembly process while still allowing proper assembly to occur.
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 solution ensures the retaining ring's integrity and functionality, reduces the need for oversized springs, and prevents malfunctions by distributing compression forces effectively, enhancing the dispenser's reliability and assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding of the piston within the containment body takes place contrasting the action of a spring whose function is to maintain the piston in raised position
Implementation Method 2
When the piston creates an overpressure within the dosing chamber, the cavity of the stem is in fluid communication with the dosing chamber and the fluid present in the dosing chamber rises along the stem
Implementation Method 3
the ball is lowered and occludes the aforementioned orifice because of the overpressure in the dosing chamber
Implementation Method 4
When the piston creates a vacuum within the dosing chamber the cavity of the stem is not in fluid communication with the dosing chamber and fluid is moved from the bottle into the dosing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A dispenser comprises a hollow body (2) able to be inserted into a bottle, a piston (7) able to slide in the body (2) between raised and lowered position, a hollow stem (8) able to slide in the body (2) to command the actuation of the piston (7), opening and closing means (10) active between the stem (8) and the piston (7) to put in fluid communication the cavity of the stem (8) with the interior of the body (2), a retaining ring (12) integral with the body (2) and inserted within it, elastic means (14) active between the ring (12) and the stem (8) to contrast the free sliding of the stem (8) and of the piston (7) within the body (2). The dispenser (1) further comprises an end stop structure (17) integral with the body (2) and positioned in a bottom portion (4) thereof to define an end stop arrest for the sliding of the stem (8) within the body (2).