Dispenser Pump Up-Lock Seal for Ventilation and Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foaming dispensers fail to achieve proper ventilation in the pump and bottle system, leading to vacuum build-up and liquid leakage during use and transportation, resulting in inefficiencies and messes.
Innovation Solution
A hand-operated foam dispenser with a seal mechanism that expands under compression to create an airtight and liquid-tight seal, using a collar and plunger system with a cam-operated seal to prevent air and liquid from entering or exiting, while allowing for venting and re-sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current dispenser pump designs are used, then the structure is simple, but proper ventilation to the mating bottle is not achieved, causing vacuum build-up
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into distinct functional segments: a first portion that seals the liquid bottle opening and a second portion that seals the pump chamber opening. This segmentation allows each portion to independently perform its sealing function, ensuring proper ventilation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal acts as an intermediary element between the liquid bottle and the pump chamber. It mediates the connection by providing both sealing and ventilation functions, preventing vacuum build-up while maintaining the integrity of the liquid containment system.
2Reliability
If current dispenser pump designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but liquid sealing during shipment is not achieved, causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is constructed as a flexible membrane with integrated sealing portions that can deform under compression. This flexibility allows the seal to conform to the openings and create reliable seals during shipment, while the integrated design maintains manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal transitions between different states: during normal operation it maintains an open configuration for ventilation, but under compression during shipment it deforms to create a sealed configuration. This dynamic behavior provides reliable sealing without complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If a seal mechanism is added to prevent vacuum build-up and leakage, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the liquid bottle opening, seals the pump chamber opening, provides ventilation during operation, and prevents leakage during shipment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal integrates multiple sealing and ventilation functions into a single component rather than using separate mechanisms. By combining these functions, the overall system complexity is minimized while achieving the desired reliability improvements.
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 prevents vacuum build-up and liquid leakage, ensuring proper sealing during use and transportation, maintaining the integrity of the liquid contents and preventing accidental release.
Implementation Method 1
the seal expands under compression to a locked position to create an airtight and liquid tight seal
Implementation Method 2
a cam capable of engaging the plunger with the inclined wall to substantially prevent air or liquid from entering or exiting the cylinder device and the container
Data Source
AI summary
Current designs of dispensers often do not allow for proper ventilation. Additionally, current designs often do not permit proper liquid sealing during shipment. The disclosed apparatus can overcome these shortcomings. This foam dispenser comprises a container, a cylinder device, a collar connected to the cylinder device, the collar operably connecting the container with the cylinder device, and a seal located on the collar, wherein the seal expands under compression to a locked position to create an airtight and liquid tight seal substantially preventing air and liquid from entering or exiting the cylinder device.