Self-Sealing Dispenser Insert With Dual Reed Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers often require a two-handed operation for sealing, lack exposure to ambient air, and fail to prevent chemical vapors from escaping when not in use, posing safety and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing cap system with a cylindrical insert containing reed valves that allow fluid dispensing under pressure and reseal when pressure is released, incorporating a reed retainer to maintain the seal and allow air into the dispenser to equalize pressure, preventing vapor emission and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual-valve system is used to seal the dispenser outlet, then liquid and gaseous product are retained within the dispenser during non-use, but ambient air cannot enter the dispenser to normalize the squeezable dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two separate functional components: a first valve (check valve) that seals the dispenser outlet to prevent liquid and vapor escape, and a second valve (atmospheric valve) that selectively allows ambient air entry. This segmentation enables each valve to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining seal integrity and enabling atmospheric normalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The first check valve acts as an intermediary element positioned at the dispenser outlet, allowing fluid to pass during dispensing while preventing reverse flow. This intermediary component enables the system to maintain sealing effectiveness while permitting controlled interaction with the external environment through the second atmospheric valve.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the dispenser outlet is sealed to prevent chemical vapor emission, then safety is improved, but the dispenser cannot equalize pressure with ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two separate functional components: a first valve (check valve) that seals the dispenser outlet to prevent liquid and vapor escape, and a second valve (atmospheric valve) that selectively allows ambient air entry. This segmentation enables each valve to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining seal integrity and enabling atmospheric normalization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the dispenser outlet system are assigned different sealing properties: the first valve provides a primary seal at the outlet to prevent harmful vapor emission, while the second valve provides a secondary controlled opening that allows pressure equalization. This local differentiation of sealing quality enables simultaneous achievement of vapor prevention and pressure stability.
3Reliability
If a two-handed arrangement is used for sealing, then sealing action is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system automatically performs the sealing function without requiring manual intervention. The first check valve self-seals the dispenser outlet when dispensing pressure is released, and the second atmospheric valve automatically equalizes pressure by allowing ambient air entry. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for two-handed operation, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable sealing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual two-handed sealing mechanism is replaced with an automatic valve system that uses pressure differential to control sealing and air entry. The mechanical action of hand-operated sealing is substituted with pressure-driven valve operation, where the pressure difference between the dispenser interior and exterior automatically controls the opening and closing of the valves.
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 enables one-handed operation, maintains a sealed environment to prevent chemical vapor emission, and ensures safety by allowing atmospheric pressure to seal the dispenser when not in use, preventing leaks and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
Dual valve assemblies respond to differences in pressure
Implementation Method 2
When the first check valve is opened, fluid flow is permitted through an opening and out of a tube in the housing
Implementation Method 3
A second such check valve is fixedly coupled inside the first check valve, and when opened, facilitates channeling the fluid flow from the tube into the housing, then through an opening in the housing and back into the dispenser
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluid dispenser is described that includes a dispenser, a cap, and an insert. The dispenser is flexible and includes a body portion and a cylindrical mouth portion extending from the body portion. The mouth portion has an opening defining a lip. The cap is operable to engage the mouth portion of the dispenser, said cap has an aperture therethrough operable to dispense a fluid stored within the dispenser. The insert is sized for placement within the opening, between the mouth portion and the cap and includes a substantially solid plug having a first and a second axial hole therethrough, a first reed valve operably attached to the plug to close the first axial hole from an outside of the dispenser, and a second reed valve operably attached to the plug to close the second axial hole from an inside of the dispenser.