Dispenser With Interchangeable Limiting Elements For Adjustable Pump Stroke

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensers for flowable masses lack the ability to adjust dispensing quantities effectively, limiting flexibility in dispensing different amounts of liquids or pastes.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser design featuring a changeable limiting device that allows for adjustable pump strokes between a minimum and maximum setting, enabling users to customize dispensing quantities by using interchangeable replacement parts and a mechanism that adjusts the head piece's extension height based on the limiting device's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed pump stroke is used in the dispenser, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the dispensing quantity cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of dispensing quantityVSAvoidcomplexity of limiting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting device is segmented into multiple interchangeable limiting elements (first limiting element, second limiting element, third limiting element) with different stroke limitations. This allows the pump stroke to be adjusted by replacing one element with another, providing dispensing quantity adaptability without requiring a complex continuously adjustable mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting device serves multiple functions: it limits the pump stroke to different predetermined values, prevents accidental dispensing during transport, and allows easy adjustment by replacement. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through a unified, simple replacement-based system rather than complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If the head piece extension height is reduced by adjusting the limiting device, then the pump stroke is controlled, but the head piece position must be precisely limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of pump stroke limitationVSAvoidease of head piece adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting elements are pre-configured with specific geometric features (protrusions and recesses) that automatically engage to limit the head piece position. This preliminary preparation of limiting positions eliminates the need for complex adjustment operations during use, as the precision is built into the replacement elements themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting device performs self-limitation through the geometric interaction between limiting elements and the head piece. The protrusion-recess engagement automatically establishes the correct head piece position and pump stroke without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable limiting elements are used for different pump strokes, then dispensing flexibility is improved, but the device requires multiple replacement parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariability of pump strokeVSAvoidmanufacture of multiple replacement parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each limiting element has a specific local geometric configuration (different protrusion positions or recess depths) tailored to its intended pump stroke limitation. This localized differentiation allows each element to be manufactured independently with simple geometric features, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite having multiple variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manufacturing a single complex adjustable mechanism, the invention inverts the approach by providing multiple simple, fixed-limitation elements. The complexity is shifted from the mechanism to the selection of replacement parts, which are simpler to manufacture individually but provide the required variability when chosen and replaced appropriately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If the dispenser is covered with a locked cap in non-use position, then accidental dispensing is prevented, but access to the limiting device is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of accidental dispensingVSAvoidaccessibility for limiting device replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cap with locking mechanism provides preliminary protection against accidental dispensing during transport and storage. The locking feature prevents unintended activation of the pump mechanism. This preliminary anti-action resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliability during non-use while allowing intentional access when needed for limiting element replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3934814B1Dispenser for discharging flowable compounds
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 RPC BRAMLAGE
  • EP3934814B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3934814B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3934814B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for discharging flowable, e.g. liquid or pasty compounds (M), comprising a reservoir (2) for holding the compound (M) and comprising a dispensing pump (6). The dispenser (1) has a longitudinal axis (x). Furthermore, the dispensing pump (6) has an inflow and an outflow channel (12, 13), a pumping chamber (11) which is delimited on the inflow and outflow sides by valves (14, 15), and a head piece (5). The head piece (5) has a dispensing opening (23). A pumping part (P) can be moved relative to a cup part (9) against an elastic force of a restoring device (16) in order to achieve a pumping stroke (b), and the head piece (5) is coupled to the pumping part (P) with respect to motion such that a motion of the head piece (5) from a completely depressed position to a reachable extension height corresponds to the pumping stroke (b). According to the invention, in order to provide a dispenser which is further improved with respect to versatility of use, a variable limiting device (27) is provided for variably limiting the pumping stroke (b) and a change in the pumping stroke (b) corresponds to a change in the extension height.