Dispensing Closure with Piston Valve and Measuring Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing containers for flowable products lack an efficient mechanism to deliver a measured dose of product while maintaining cost-effectiveness and user convenience, as they often require manual measurement and struggle to prevent dripping after dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing closure system featuring a flexible plastic container with a measuring reservoir, piston valve, and spring mechanism that automatically fills and dispenses a measured dose when inverted and squeezed, utilizing flow ports and pressure apertures to control product flow, and an adjustable option allowing varying doses through sliding cap engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manual measurement system is used for dispensing flowable products, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and dosing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into distinct functional components: a measuring reservoir for precise volume containment, a piston valve for controlled dispensing, and a spring mechanism for automated operation. This segmentation enables precise measurement while maintaining relatively simple overall device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically operates the piston valve to dispense the measured dose without requiring manual intervention for each dispensing action. The system self-regulates the dispensing process, eliminating the need for complex manual measurement and control mechanisms while maintaining dosing accuracy
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple closure structure is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to prevent dripping after dispensing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The piston valve is designed to automatically return to the closed position via spring mechanism after dispensing the measured dose. This preliminary closing action prevents dripping before it can occur, maintaining reliability while keeping the closure structure relatively simple through automated operation rather than complex mechanical sealing
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable dose mechanism is added to allow varying doses, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring reservoir is designed with a sliding cap that can be positioned at different heights to adjust the dispensing dose. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows varying doses while maintaining relatively simple structure through a single movable component rather than multiple discrete parts
Solution Approach 2:
The dose volume parameter is changed by adjusting the position of the sliding cap on the measuring reservoir. This allows continuous variation of the dispensing dose while maintaining the same basic reservoir structure, avoiding the need for multiple different reservoir configurations
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 precise, efficient dispensing of a measured dose with minimal waste, as the spring mechanism ensures complete closure and prevents dripping, while the adjustable feature accommodates different product volumes, enhancing user convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for biasing the piston valve
Implementation Method 2
the product container is molded from a flexible plastic and is sufficiently pliable such that the user may readily squeeze the container to apply pressure to the flowable product contained therein
Implementation Method 3
the valve stem is in mating engagement with the valve seat closing the flow conduit and preventing the flowable product from exiting the exit orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing closure (10) for dispensing a flowable product (12) from a squeeze-type product container (14) includes a closure body (16) having an upper deck (32), an exit orifice (34), a flow conduit (36) providing a flow path to the exit orifice, and a skirt (40) configured to attach to the product container. A measuring reservoir (26) is received in engagement with a lower surface of the upper deck. The measuring reservoir is filled with a measured dose of flowable product through flow ports (54) when the container is inverted. A piston valve (28) is slidably movable within the measuring reservoir between an open position and a closed position. The piston valve is movable from the open position to the closed position to dispense the measured dose of product responsive to pressure within the container induced by squeezing.