Fluid Dispenser Pressure Equalization via Segmented Escape Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers experience increased pressure during assembly and difficulty in priming the pump chamber, leading to inefficient fluid dispensing, especially in small-capacity reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser design featuring a dispenser member with an inlet and outlet valve, and a lip that moves leaktight in a cylinder, establishing two escape paths to balance and release pressure, allowing for easy priming and preventing fluid leakage by sequencing the paths' opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dispenser member is mounted on the reservoir opening with the body sliding in leaktight manner, then sealing and mounting stability are improved, but increased pressure is generated inside the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The escape path is segmented into two distinct paths: a first escape path that opens before the second escape path. This segmentation allows controlled pressure release - the first path releases pressure gradually while the second path provides additional relief, preventing excessive pressure buildup while maintaining sealing integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The first escape path is designed to open in advance before the second escape path during the mounting process. This preliminary action allows pressure to be released proactively during assembly rather than allowing pressure to build up, eliminating the harmful pressure effect while maintaining the leaktight sealing function
2Stress or pressure
If the pump chamber volume is reduced by actuating the pusher, then fluid pressure is increased, but air trapped in the chamber cannot escape through the closed outlet valve
Solution Approach 1:
The escape mechanism is divided into two paths: the first escape path opens to allow air to escape from the reservoir, and the second escape path opens subsequently to allow air in the chamber to escape. This segmentation enables pressure increase for priming while providing dedicated escape routes for air removal, making priming easy and rapid
Solution Approach 2:
The first escape path acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates pressure balance between the reservoir and chamber before the second escape path opens. This intermediary path allows controlled air escape during the priming process, enabling the chamber to be filled with fluid without manual intervention
3Reliability
If the outlet valve remains closed during mounting, then fluid leakage is prevented, but air compressed in the chamber cannot be driven outside
Solution Approach 1:
The air escape mechanism is segmented into two paths: the first escape path that opens before the second escape path. The first path allows air to escape from the reservoir while the outlet valve remains closed, and the second path subsequently opens to allow chamber air to escape. This segmentation maintains fluid containment while enabling air evacuation
Solution Approach 2:
The first escape path opens in advance before the second escape path during the mounting and priming process. This preliminary opening allows air to escape proactively from the reservoir and chamber before fluid dispensing begins, eliminating the need for manual priming while maintaining outlet valve closure for fluid containment
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 effectively reduces reservoir pressure, facilitates easy priming, and prevents fluid leakage during operation by sequencing the escape paths, ensuring the dispenser functions efficiently from assembly to normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
a lip that is movable in leaktight sliding in a cylinder between a rest position and a depressed position, so as to cause the volume of the chamber to vary, and the fluid in the chamber to be driven through the outlet valve
Implementation Method 2
the reservoir and the chamber communicate with the outside through the open first and second escape paths, and with the outlet valve closed. Thus, the increased pressure that exists in the reservoir can be reduced or eliminated by communicating with the chamber
Implementation Method 3
During the return stroke, the second escape path is closed before the first escape path. Then, the inlet valve performs its normal function, creating a vacuum inside the chamber that makes it possible to suck fluid from the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir (1) provided with an opening (10); and a dispenser member (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), such as a pump or a valve, mounted on the opening (10) of the reservoir, the member forming a fluid chamber (C) that is provided with an inlet valve (28, 43), an outlet valve (47, 511), and a lip (42) that is movable in leaktight sliding in a cylinder (27) between a rest position and a depressed position, so as to cause the volume of the chamber (C) to vary, and the fluid in the chamber to be driven through the outlet valve towards a dispenser orifice (50); said container being characterized in that, in the proximity of the depressed position, the inlet valve defines a first escape path (F1) that puts the reservoir (1) into communication with the chamber (C), the chamber, in the proximity of the depressed position, communicating with the outside through a second escape path (F2) that passes via the outlet valve and the dispenser orifice so that, in the proximity of the depressed position, the reservoir (1) and the chamber communicate with the outside through the open first and second escape paths (F1 and F2), and with the outlet valve closed.