Dispenser Pump Venting Seal for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispenser pumps experience leakage and evaporative loss of volatile liquids, particularly when knocked over or subjected to temperature changes, due to inadequate sealing of the vent path, which compromises the product's composition and flow properties.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of complementary seal portions on the plunger stem and collar, with tapered and flexible lip designs, to effectively block the vent path in both extended and locked-down positions, along with a resilient outlet valve to prevent liquid ejection, and controlled venting mechanisms to manage pressure buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a narrow and tortuous vent path is provided to prevent liquid escape, then liquid leakage is reduced, but evaporative loss of volatile components increases due to inadequate sealing
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing member (membrane/diaphragm) is positioned at the vent path to dynamically seal the opening. The flexible membrane closes the vent path under normal conditions to prevent evaporative loss, while allowing the system to manage pressure buildup without liquid leakage through the narrow tortuous path design
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism changes its state based on pressure parameters. Under normal pressure conditions, the flexible sealing member maintains a sealed position to prevent evaporation. When pressure exceeds a threshold, the system allows controlled gas release while maintaining liquid seal integrity through the tortuous path geometry
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vent path is sealed to prevent evaporative loss, then product composition is maintained, but pressure buildup occurs during temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane acts as a pressure-responsive seal that maintains product composition stability by preventing evaporation under normal conditions, while its flexibility allows it to respond to pressure changes without creating rigid constraints that would lead to dangerous buildup
Solution Approach 2:
The narrow tortuous vent path geometry converts the potential harm of pressure buildup into a beneficial pressure-regulating feature. The tortuous path creates backpressure that prevents liquid leakage while allowing gas phase expansion, effectively using the sealing mechanism to regulate pressure rather than simply block it
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple vent opening is provided, then manufacturing is simplified, but liquid product escapes through the vent path when shaken or inverted
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sealing member is integrated into the vent path structure to provide liquid barrier functionality. The membrane can be molded or attached to the existing vent structure, maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity while adding the critical liquid prevention function
Solution Approach 2:
The tortuous vent path geometry with curved surfaces works in conjunction with the flexible membrane to create a liquid barrier. The curved path geometry, combined with surface tension effects and the flexible seal, prevents liquid escape while allowing gas passage under various orientations
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 solution provides a reliable seal against leakage and evaporative loss under normal conditions while allowing controlled gas release in high-pressure situations, maintaining the product's integrity and preventing liquid escape, especially for volatile components like alcohols.
Implementation Method 1
the stem seal portion and the collar seal portion meet and seal against one another to block the vent path
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the stem seal portion and the collar seal portion has a tapered shape whereby the portions are guided into a closely-fitting engagement
Implementation Method 3
one of the stem seal portion and the collar seal portion may comprise a flexible lip portion
Implementation Method 4
A pump spring is usually provided to urge the plunger towards its extended position thereby automatically re-filling (priming) the pump chamber with product to be dispensed
Implementation Method 5
liquid product enters the pump chamber through a valved inlet
Data Source
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AI summary
The application discloses dispenser pumps, preferably of the moveable-nozzle type, with means for sealing a vent path in the extended position of the pump plunger (2). The pump body (1) includes an internal collar (86) formed at the lower end of a tubular insert (8), through which the vent path passes. This collar has an annular seal portion (9). The plunger (2) has a complementary seal portion (4) which makes a guided and fitting engagement with the pump body collar seal portion (9) when the plunger (2) reaches its extended position relative to the body (1). One or both of the plunger seal portion (4) and the body collar seal portion (9) is formed as an annular taper, so that the seal portions are guided reliably into close engagement with one another without fine manufacturing tolerances being required. Plunger lock-down formations (27,85) may be formed to engage at the bottom of the body insert (8) as mentioned, so that they remain below the top opening of the body and the latter can be provided with a seal (16) at its top opening to act against the plunger stem (22) and keep the interior of the pump mechanism clean.