Fluid Dispenser Membrane Dosing Chamber Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid product dispensers often become blocked due to piston sliding issues, have complex and costly construction, and may corrode or be damaged by user contact, leading to reliability and practicality concerns.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a dosing chamber defined by a movable membrane and dispensing head made of rigid plastic, eliminating sliding parts and using a flexible membrane for volume control, along with a locking mechanism based on relative rotation for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piston is used to define the movable wall of the dosing chamber, then the volume can be controlled, but the device becomes prone to blockage and seizing due to product residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the piston component entirely from the dosing chamber design. Instead of using a sliding piston to define the movable wall, the invention employs a deformable membrane that can be directly actuated by the user. This extraction of the problematic sliding interface eliminates the source of blockage and seizing while maintaining volume control capability through membrane deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rigid piston with a deformable membrane (flexible shell) that forms the movable wall of the dosing chamber. This membrane can be deformed by user pressure to reduce volume and expel product, or allowed to return to its initial position to increase volume and aspirate product. The flexible nature of the membrane prevents product residues from causing seizing while maintaining effective sealing and volume control.
2Strength
If metallic components are used in the dispenser, then structural strength is provided, but corrosion problems occur upon contact with the fluid product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using the same material type (plastic) for all components that come into contact with the fluid product, including the dosing chamber, membrane, and dispensing head. This eliminates the dissimilar metal-contact issues that lead to galvanic corrosion. The uniform plastic construction provides sufficient structural strength while being inherently resistant to corrosion from cosmetic and personal care products.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple ribs and seats is used to prevent unwanted operation, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing structural components of the dispenser. The locking mechanism utilizes the interaction between the dispensing head and the ring nut that are already present in the device architecture. By integrating the locking capability into these existing components rather than adding separate locking elements, the invention prevents unwanted operation while avoiding increased device complexity.
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 dispenser remains functional, reduces the risk of blockage and damage, simplifies production, enhances reliability, and improves user interface by eliminating direct membrane contact and minimizing components.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane (14) made of a flexible and deformable plastic material... When the top wall (9) shifts from the first position to the second position, the membrane (14) progressively moves from the non-deformed configuration to the deformed configuration
Implementation Method 2
When, on the contrary, the user releases the membrane, it elastically returns to the initial configuration, increasing its volume and aspirating an additional portion of fluid product
Data Source
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AI summary
A Dispenser of fluid product comprises a ring nut (2) able to be associated with a container of a fluid product and a dispensing head (7), substantially hollow and coaxially slidable relative to said ring nut (2); said dispensing head (7) comprises a closing chamber (13) positioned inside said dispensing head (7) and a dispensing nozzle (11) to allow the escape of said fluid product; said dispensing device being characterised in that said dispensing head (7) further comprises a deformable membrane (14) fastened to said ring nut (2) and a top wall (9) facing said membrane (14) and defining said dosing chamber (13) in combination with said membrane (14); said top wall (9) being movable between a first position, distal from said ring nut (2), in which a volume of said dosing chamber (13) is greatest and said dosing chamber (13) is isolated and at least in part filled with said fluid product, and a second position, proximal to said ring nut (2), in which the volume of said dosing chamber (13) is smallest.