Shock-Proof Dispenser Valve Control Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensers often fail to ensure reliable operation due to the upper part of the pump chamber not being effectively reset, leading to premature opening of the outlet valve during pumping, which results in unintended material release due to vibrations or improper actuation.

Innovation Solution

The upper part of the pump chamber is moved back into a start position by the control part, which is coupled to the actuating part, ensuring the outlet valve is actively displaced into a release position only at the beginning of the pumping process, using a mandrel connected to the actuating part to transmit force to the outlet valve, maintaining the valve in a closed position until actuated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the outlet valve is displaced by the mass itself during pumping, then the pumping process is simple, but the valve may open prematurely due to vibrations or light touches causing unintended material release

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepumping process simplicityVSAvoidoutlet valve control reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control part actively displaces the outlet valve into the release position before the pumping process begins, ensuring the valve is properly positioned and sealed. This preliminary action prevents premature opening during subsequent pumping operations, as the valve is already in the correct position and will not accidentally open due to vibrations or light touches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a return spring is provided to move pump chamber parts apart after pumping, then the reset function is achieved, but the upper pump chamber part cannot be effectively reset leading to unreliable operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset functionVSAvoiddispenser operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control part acts as an intermediary mechanism that couples the actuating part to the upper pump chamber part. When the actuating part moves, it drags the upper pump chamber part back to the start position through the control part. This ensures reliable resetting of the pump chamber components, eliminating the unreliability caused by insufficient reset function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the control part is designed as a mandrel connected to the actuating part, then force transmission to the outlet valve is simple and space-efficient, but the mechanism requires precise alignment and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanism simplicityVSAvoidmandrel alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mandrel is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits force from the actuating part to the outlet valve, provides precise alignment through its rigid structure, and enables space-efficient positioning within the pump chamber. The universal design of the mandrel allows it to fulfill both the simple force transmission requirement and the precise alignment requirement simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This design prevents unintended material release during non-actuation, ensuring the outlet valve remains closed until the user initiates the pumping process, providing a reliable and space-efficient mechanism for dispensing flowable or pasty substances.

Implementation Method 1

a spring acting between the inlet valve and the outlet valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the control part is designed as a mandrel connected to the actuating part. This allows the actuating force to be transmitted to the outlet valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the outlet valve is preferably designed in such a way that it is pressed into its closed position by the mass under pressure in the pump chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2123364B3Dispenser with shock-proof valve
Publication Date: 2013.09.25 MEGAPLAST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2123364B3 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2123364B3 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2123364B3 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for flowable to pasty masses with a pump chamber (25) having an outlet valve (20), wherein the pump chamber (25) consists of a pump chamber upper part (17) and a pump chamber lower part (6), which are to be moved relative to each other for a pumping process. In order to design a dispenser, as described above, such that, at least under certain stresses such as vibrations, unwanted mass discharge is prevented as far as possible, it is proposed that the outlet valve (20) be moved into a release position by means of a control element before the start of a pumping process.