Fluid Dispenser Pusher Rotation Controls Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid dispensers require complex and non-intuitive operations to open and close the venting passage, making it difficult for users to fill the reservoir without prior knowledge, and often have numerous components that complicate assembly and operation.

Innovation Solution

A fluid dispenser design where the control means for closing the venting passage are integrated into the pusher and driven by its rotation, allowing the user to unconsciously release or block the passage through conventional axial and rotational movements, minimizing components and simplifying assembly and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate sliding control is used to open/close the venting passage, then the venting function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing passage controlVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control means for the venting passage are merged with the pusher assembly. The pusher itself becomes the control element that, when rotated, opens or closes the venting passage through its interaction with the cam track. This eliminates the need for a separate sliding control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pusher is given multiple functions: it actuates the pump mechanism and simultaneously controls the venting passage. By rotating the pusher, the user performs both the pumping action and the venting control, making a single component serve multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate sliding control is used to open/close the venting passage, then the venting function can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to non-intuitive operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing passage controlVSAvoiduser operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the user's natural pushing motion to automatically control the venting passage. When the user pushes the pusher along the cam track, the venting passage is automatically opened or closed as a consequence of the pusher's position, without requiring the user to consciously control a separate mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control means for the venting passage are merged with the pusher assembly. The pusher itself becomes the control element that, when rotated, opens or closes the venting passage through its interaction with the cam track. This eliminates the need for a separate sliding control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for control means and closing means, then the venting function can be achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing passage controlVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control means for the venting passage are merged with the pusher assembly. The pusher itself becomes the control element that, when rotated, opens or closes the venting passage through its interaction with the cam track. This eliminates the need for a separate sliding control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

An annular elastic membrane is used as the closing means for the venting passage. This flexible element can be compressed by the control means to close the passage and returns to its original position when released, providing a simple and effective sealing solution that is easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2678117B1Fluid product distributor
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP2678117B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2678117B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2678117B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid product distributor comprising: a fluid product reservoir (1) defining a neck (11) and a bottom (12) provided with a filler valve (13, 15); a distribution member (5) such as a pump that is mounted on the reservoir (1) in order to remove some of the fluid product, and comprises a body (51) and an actuating rod (56) that can be moved back and forth along an axis X; a tappet (6, 7) mounted on the actuating rod (56) of the distribution member (5) in such a way as to rotate on itself about the axis X of the rod (5, 6); a venting passage connecting the reservoir (1) to the outside; closing means (3) for selectively closing the venting passage; and control means (4) for switching the closing means (3) from an open state wherein they do not close the venting passage to a closing state wherein they close the venting passage. The invention is characterised in that the control means (4) are secured to the tappet (6, 7) or movably driven by the tappet.