Dispenser Slit Valve Mounting for Sealing Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump dispensers face issues with valve dislodgement under pressure, product accumulation, and drying due to inadequate mounting and complex designs, leading to operational and hygienic concerns.
Innovation Solution
A deformable spout valve assembly with a snap-fit engagement using an annular rib and groove, and a retainer with a flange, formed from silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, securely mounts the valve to the dispenser head, preventing dislodgement and ensuring efficient sealing and product flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece elastomeric shutter valve is used, then the valve can be easily manufactured, but it cannot be securely mounted to the dispenser head and easily dislodges under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into two separate components: an elastomeric spout valve and a rigid retainer. The retainer provides secure mounting to the dispenser head while the elastomeric valve provides sealing functionality. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the retainer for structural support and secure attachment, and the elastomeric valve for flexible sealing and product flow control.
2Reliability
If a multi-component valve assembly is used, then mounting reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is integrally formed as a single piece with the dispenser head, combining the mounting structure and sealing surface into one component. The elastomeric spout valve is designed to work with this integrated structure, creating a simple two-component system that achieves reliable mounting without excessive complexity. The snap-fit engagement between the retainer and head provides secure attachment while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Strength
If the valve is rigidified to strengthen mounting, then mounting reliability improves, but the valve loses elasticity needed for opening and closing the slit
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly combines two different materials with complementary properties: a rigid retainer material (such as polypropylene or polyethylene) for structural strength and secure mounting, and an elastomeric material (such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomer) for the spout valve that provides flexibility and elasticity. This composite material approach allows each material to perform its optimal function - the rigid retainer provides mounting strength while the elastomeric valve provides the necessary elasticity for opening and closing.
4Productivity
If conventional pump dispenser valve designs are used, then product can be dispensed, but product accumulates and dries at the dispenser head outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The spout valve protrudes slightly beyond the retainer opening, extending the discharge point forward. This extraction of the valve tip beyond the main body prevents product from accumulating in the retainer opening by directing it outward for immediate dispensing. The design eliminates the dead space where product would otherwise pool and dry, maintaining hygienic conditions while preserving dispensing functionality.
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 enhances the durability and ease of assembly, reduces the risk of valve dislodgement, and maintains product quality by preventing accumulation and drying, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs through a two-component design.
Implementation Method 1
an improved deformable spout valve which both facilitates easier and more economical manufacture and assembly of the pump dispenser, which securely remains mounted to the dispenser head over the life of the pump dispenser, regardless of pressures required for opening the valve slit
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A spout valve assembly (18), for a pump dispenser including a discharge head (10), is located within an opening (24) in the discharge head for permitting outletting of liquid product and includes a spout valve (22) retained within the discharge head opening by a retainer (26). The spout valve includes a slit (38) at a first end thereof and an orifice (50) at a second opposite end thereof. The slit includes slit lips (39,41) directly engageable with and disengageable from each other to respectively define slit closed and opened configurations. The spout valve is made of a material for permitting opening of the slit under pressure from the liquid product for thereby allowing the liquid product to be discharged out through the slit when in the slit opened configuration, and for otherwise permitting closing of the slit to prevent the liquid product from being discharged through the slit when in the slit closed configuration.