Dispenser Spring Shape Dynamics for Paste Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for pasty masses often have inefficient return spring mechanisms that do not effectively support the dispensing process, leading to suboptimal dispensing of pasty materials like cream and toothpaste.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design featuring a resilient restoring spring element that folds into a U-shape, with a central section clamped between the headpiece and mass housing, providing a favorable spring action for dispensing. The spring element transitions from a curved S-shape to U-sections, ensuring effective dispensing and minimizing diffusion surfaces, with a one-piece design incorporating an inlet and outlet valve for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional return spring mechanism is used in the dispenser, then the headpiece can be reset after dispensing, but the spring mechanism does not effectively support the dispensing process and leaves residual mass in the portioning chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring element is designed to be dynamic rather than static, changing its geometry from an S-shape in the retracted position to U-shapes that extend into the portioning chamber during dispensing. This dynamic transformation allows the spring to actively support mass discharge while maintaining its reset function, thereby improving dispensing efficiency and reducing residual mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element undergoes parameter changes in its geometric configuration during operation. In the retracted position, it has an S-shape that minimizes diffusion surface area. During dispensing, it transforms into U-shapes that extend into the portioning chamber to support mass flow. This parameter change enables the spring to fulfill multiple functions at different operational stages.
2Productivity
If the return spring element is designed to fold into the portioning chamber during dispensing, then mass discharge is supported, but the spring mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring element is merged with the valve function, forming a single integrated component. The spring element itself acts as the valve by extending into the portioning chamber to support mass discharge. This merging eliminates the need for separate spring and valve components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the desired functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves multiple functions: it provides the return force to reset the headpiece, acts as a valve to control mass discharge, and supports the mass in the portioning chamber during dispensing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall mechanism despite the increased complexity of the spring's motion.
3Ease of operation
If the spring element transitions from S-shape to U-shapes during operation, then it provides favorable spring action for dispensing, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed as a flexible, thin-walled structure that can easily transform between S-shape and U-shapes. This flexible design allows the spring to undergo large geometric transformations with minimal force, providing favorable spring action for dispensing. The flexibility also tolerates manufacturing variations better than rigid structures would, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
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 dispenser achieves efficient dispensing of pasty materials with a built-in spring mechanism that supports mass output and minimizes residual quantities, ensuring reliable operation and easy assembly, while maintaining a low diffusion surface area.
Implementation Method 1
the restoring spring element, which buckles in the course of a preferred downward movement of the head piece
Implementation Method 2
the central section of the resilient restoring spring element folds into the portioning chamber of the head piece, with the restoring spring element changing from a curved S shape into the shape of two U-sections standing in opposite directions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for paste-like materials (11) comprising a tubular material housing unit (2) with follower plunger (7) and a hand-actuatable head piece (3) which is equipped with a mouthpiece and is guided linearly to the material outlet and can be depressed in the direction of the follower plunger (7) while tensioning a return spring element (25) that is braced by biasing. In order to present a dispenser for paste-like materials that, in particular, has improved function of the return spring element compared with the prior art and can be produced economically, it is proposed that the middle section (29) of the springy return spring element (25) folds up into the metering chamber (18) of the head piece (3), wherein the return spring element (25) changes from a curved S-shape into the shape of two oppositely oriented U sections (33, 33'), and both end sections (28, 30) are wedged against the head piece (3) and against an upper tubular part (9) of the material housing unit.