Liquid Dispenser Pressure Chamber Manual Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensers for cosmetic liquids face challenges in efficiently building and maintaining pressure for discharge, particularly in designs that rely on user-initiated air introduction or manual pumping, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser with a pressure generating device comprising an air pumping device and an actuating pressure chamber, where the air pumping device includes a bellows and a return spring, allowing for manual actuation to increase pressure in the reservoir and trigger a pressure-dependently opening liquid outlet valve for efficient liquid discharge without the need for additional actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a pressure accumulator with pre-introduced compressed air is used, then discharge pressure is readily available, but the dispenser cannot be refilled and has limited adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The user manually pumps air into the pressure chamber themselves, making the system self-refillable. The air pump allows the user to restore pressure by pumping air from the environment into the pressure chamber, eliminating the need for pre-filled cartridges or professional refilling services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static pre-filled pressure accumulator to a dynamic system where pressure can be adjusted and replenished on-demand. The pressure chamber and air pump create a flexible pressure management system that adapts to different usage needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual shaking or pumping by the end user is required to introduce compressed air, then the dispenser is refillable, but the operation becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air pumping function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component rather than being integrated into the discharge mechanism. This allows the pressure-building action to be performed independently and efficiently through a simple pump action, separate from the liquid discharge operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air pump acts as an intermediary device that bridges the environment and the pressure chamber. It provides a simple mechanical interface for the user to transfer air from the environment into the sealed system, making the refilling process straightforward.
3Stress or pressure
If a switching valve is used to control discharge, then pressure can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid outlet valve automatically opens when the pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds the holding force of the valve, and closes when pressure equalizes. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex switching valves or actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure as the controlling parameter for valve operation. Instead of mechanical switching mechanisms, the valve responds directly to pressure differential changes, simplifying the control system while maintaining effective pressure management.
4Device complexity
If a valveless outlet channel is used, then the structure is simplified, but unintended leakage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet channel has different properties at different locations: it is valveless and open for most of its length to simplify structure and maintain pressure, but has a localized liquid outlet valve at the discharge point to prevent unwanted leakage. This localized control maintains reliability without compromising overall structural simplicity.
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
This design enables efficient and controlled liquid discharge with minimal user effort, requiring only a few actuations to achieve sufficient pressure for dispensing, even when the dispenser is inverted, and prevents unintended leakage due to a valveless outlet channel or throttling mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring (50), by which the actuator (72) is urged in the direction of a starting position
Implementation Method 2
The air pumping device has an actuator (72) for the manual actuation of a pump, allowing air to be pumped into the actuating pressure chamber (80) by means of the actuator
Implementation Method 3
a liquid channel with a pressure-dependently opening liquid outlet valve (40), which opens when there is a minimum opening overpressure sufficient for opening the liquid outlet valve (40)
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispenser for cosmetic liquids having a liquid reservoir and an applicator. An outlet channel connects the reservoir to the applicator, the outlet channel being formed either valveless or with an outlet valve. The liquid dispenser has a pressure generating device which pressurizes liquid in the reservoir for conveyance through the outlet channel to the applicator. The pressure generating device has an air pumping device which feeds and an actuating pressure chamber. The actuating pressure chamber adjoins, and is separated from, the reservoir by a displaceable wall so that an overpressure in the actuating pressure chamber leads to an overpressure in the reservoir. The air pumping device has manual actuator, allowing air to be pumped into the actuating pressure chamber by the actuator, so that the overpressure in the actuating pressure chamber and in the reservoir rises sufficiently to convey liquid from the reservoir to the applicator.