Dispenser Receptacle Valve for Leak-Free Container Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for flowable media face challenges in easy servicing and cleaning, often resulting in medium loss when the container is removed or exchanged, as the outlet remains open, leading to potential contamination and medium loss.
Innovation Solution
A valve is integrated at the container outlet that closes when the container is removed, along with plug-in guide elements and a sealing ring to prevent dripping, and a fill-level detection system using a float and magnet or Hall sensor for efficient medium management and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container outlet remains open for easy removal, then the container can be easily removed and exchanged, but the medium will leak or drip causing loss and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A valve is integrated into the outlet that automatically closes when the container is removed, preventing medium loss before it can occur. The valve mechanism is pre-positioned to seal the outlet opening, counteracting the potential harmful effect of medium leakage during container exchange operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet remains open during container removal, then the container can be easily exchanged, but contamination can occur from dripping medium
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to automatically close the outlet before the container is fully removed, preventing contamination in advance. This preliminary protective action eliminates the harmful effect of dripping medium that would otherwise contaminate the dispenser components during container exchange.
3Reliability
If a valve is added to close the outlet, then medium loss and contamination are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to operate automatically without external control when the container is removed. The valve uses the container's presence or absence as the triggering mechanism, eliminating the need for additional sensors, actuators, or control systems. This self-service approach maintains reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 container removal without medium loss, facilitates easy cleaning and product change without contamination, and provides a clear indication of fill level for efficient medium usage.
Implementation Method 1
a float that detects the filling level in the container indicates that the supply has been used up
Implementation Method 2
a float arranged in the container, which is assigned a permanent magnet, with a permanent magnet being assigned outside the container Permanent magnets cooperating reed contact or Hall sensor is provided
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A dispenser for a pourable medium comprises a receptacle (3) that has an outlet (5) on the bottom. A pump is connected to the outlet (5). A replaceable reservoir (20) is placed on top of the receptacle (3). The receptacle (3) is removably disposed within the dispenser and includes a valve (6) inside the outlet (5). Said valve (6) closes when the receptacle is removed.