Fluid Dispenser Sheath Piercing for Membrane-Sealed Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid product dispensers have aesthetic issues due to visible reservoirs and risk damage to dispensing elements when piercing caps, and existing seals are not effective in preventing air contact and protecting contents.
Innovation Solution
A fluid product dispenser with a removable reservoir using a retractable tip connection system and a sealing member with a perforable membrane protected by a sleeve, where the pushing force is exerted on the sheath to pierce the membrane, avoiding stress on the dispensing element, and a ring for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pump or valve is used to transmit the thrust force needed to pierce the capping, then the piercing operation can be performed, but this can lead to damage to the pump or valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated piercing mechanism with a needle and actuating arm that serves as an intermediary between the user's manual force and the membrane piercing action. This separate piercing system transfers the thrust force away from the pump or valve, allowing the dispensing element to remain unstressed and undamaged while still achieving membrane penetration.
2Ease of operation
If snap-on or screw-type connections are used to allow reservoir replacement, then the reservoir can be easily connected and disconnected, but this requires that the reservoir remains accessible and visible, which can detract from the overall aesthetics of the dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested connection system where the reservoir fits within or integrates with the dispenser housing in a telescoping manner. The reservoir can be inserted and secured within the dispenser body, allowing it to be replaced easily while remaining partially concealed, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling user access for replacement.
3Reliability
If a flat cap is glued, fixed, or welded to the upper annular rim of the tank neck to seal the tank, then the seal can be secure, but this makes the seal difficult to remove or pierce without damaging the pump or valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing system into separate components: a removable cap or seal element that can be independently handled from the tank neck. This segmentation allows the seal to be securely attached during manufacturing while enabling easy removal or piercing through a dedicated mechanism, avoiding the need to damage the pump or valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a preliminary piercing action through a dedicated needle mechanism that is prepared and positioned before the actual piercing operation. The needle is pre-loaded in the actuating arm, allowing the membrane to be pierced cleanly and efficiently without requiring excessive force that could damage the dispensing element.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid product dispenser comprising: - a fluid product reservoir (R) comprising a neck (R3) defining an opening (R5), and an upper annular edge (R4), the reservoir (R) being provided with a closing member (1) which seals the opening (R5) of the neck (R3), the closing member (1) comprising a pierceable membrane (11), wherein the pierceable membrane (11) is arranged inside the neck (R3) separated axially from the upper annular edge (R4); and - an assembly (E) comprising a dispensing member (P), such as a pump or a valve, received in the closing member (1) of the reservoir (R), the assembly (E) comprising piercing means (36, 37) for piercing the pierceable membrane (11), characterised in that the piercing means comprise a piercing pin (37) formed at the lower end of a sheath (36) in which the dispensing member (P) is received.