Fluid Dispenser Reservoir Connection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers require users to grip the reservoir firmly for connection and disconnection, which compromises aesthetics and can be cumbersome, and often require significant force for unscrewing, leading to intermediate states during the process.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser design featuring a housing with a receiving ring and spring mechanism that allows connection and disconnection by pressing on the reservoir's bottom, switching between locked and free positions without intermediate steps, enabling the reservoir to be fully enclosed except at the bottom, with a simple and force-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connection means require firm gripping of the reservoir for unscrewing or disengagement, then connection strength is improved, but aesthetics are worsened because a significant part of the reservoir must remain accessible and visible
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means are segmented into distinct functional components: a receiving ring for engagement, a crown with cam surfaces for actuation, and a actuator mechanism. This segmentation allows the reservoir to be fully enclosed while maintaining aesthetic integrity, as the connection components are distributed rather than requiring a single visible grip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary actuator mechanism that mediates between the user's pressing action on the reservoir bottom and the connection/disconnection function. This intermediary translates a simple pressing motion into the complex unscrewing or disengagement action, eliminating the need for direct gripping of the reservoir body.
2Reliability
If connection means use snap-on or screwed types for reservoir connection/disconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to the need for considerable force and multiple intermediate steps
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means incorporate preliminary engagement features that automatically align and partially secure the reservoir before final connection. The receiving ring and crown are pre-positioned to guide the reservoir into place, eliminating the need for manual alignment and reducing the force required for complete connection or disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including a spring-loaded actuator and cam surfaces that convert a simple pressing motion into a controlled connection or disconnection sequence. The spring provides progressive resistance and the cam surfaces translate linear motion into rotational or lateral movement, enabling reliable connection with minimal user effort and without intermediate manual steps.
3Shape
If the reservoir is fully enclosed except at the bottom, then aesthetics are improved, but ease of operation is worsened if firm gripping is required for connection/disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to grip the reservoir body for connection or disconnection, the patent inverts the interaction by allowing the user to press on the bottom of the reservoir (opposite end from the connection point) to actuate the connection means. This inversion enables full enclosure of the reservoir while maintaining ease of operation through a simple pressing action.
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
Enables secure and easy connection and disconnection of the reservoir without the need for significant force or intermediate states, maintaining the dispenser's aesthetic integrity by ensuring the reservoir is either fully connected or disconnected, facilitating user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
the receiving crown being guided in axial movement in the case along the insertion/extraction axis against the action of a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid product dispenser comprising: - a housing (1) comprising mounting means (2), connection means (3) and a case (4) provided with an insertion/extraction opening (48) and defining an insertion/extraction axis X, - a dispensing member (5), such as a pump or a valve, received in the mounting means (2), and - a fluid product tank (6) engaged in the case (4) through the insertion/extraction opening (48), and movably connected to the dispensing member (5) by connection means (3), the tank (6) comprising a bottom (61) that is accessible at the insertion/extraction opening (48), characterised in that the connection means (3) comprise a receiving ring (7) in which a portion (62) of the tank (6) is received, the receiving ring (7) being guided in axial displacement in the case (4) along insertion/extraction axis X against the action of a spring (9), the connection means (3) further comprising a ring (8) arranged between the receiving ring (7) and the spring (9), the ring (8) engaging both with the case (4) and the receiving ring (7) so as to switch, by pressing on the bottom (61) of the tank (6), between a locked position in which the tank (6) is connected to the dispensing member (5) and a free position in which the tank (6) can be extracted from the case (4).