Dispensing Closure Timing Piston Dose Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing closures for flowable products do not effectively control the dispensing of a measured dose responsive to squeezing pressure, leading to inefficiencies in product delivery and potential dripping after use.
Innovation Solution
A 3-piece dispensing closure with a timing piston, timing vent, air intake, and ball valve structure that allows controlled dispensing and reset, ensuring a measured dose is dispensed and preventing dripping, by using a flexible plastic container with a closure body, lid, and inner skirt for engagement with the container neck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional dispensing closure is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively control the dispensing of a measured dose responsive to squeezing pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing closure is divided into three main components: a closure body, a closure lid connected by a living hinge, and a timing piston assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall control over measured dose dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
A timing piston is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the squeezing pressure and the product flow. The piston responds to squeezing pressure and controls the dispensing timing, enabling precise measured dose control without requiring complex electronic or mechanical systems.
2Speed
If air can flow freely into the piston chamber, then the reset stroke is fast, but air cannot escape during the dispensing stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake orifice incorporates a ball valve that dynamically opens and closes based on pressure differential. During the dispensing stroke, the ball valve closes to prevent air from entering the piston chamber. During the reset stroke, the ball valve opens to allow rapid air intake, enabling fast reset without compromising dispensing control.
Solution Approach 2:
A timing vent is provided to allow air to escape from the piston chamber during the dispensing stroke. This pneumatic pathway ensures that air can vent during dispensing while the ball valve prevents air from entering during the reset stroke, creating reliable bidirectional flow control.
3Productivity
If the air intake orifice is large, then air can flow back quickly during reset, but air cannot escape during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valve provides dynamic control over the large air intake orifice. During the dispensing stroke, the ball valve closes to block the large orifice, preventing air from entering and ensuring dispensing reliability. During the reset stroke, the ball valve opens to allow the large orifice to function, enabling rapid air intake and fast reset.
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 enables precise control over the dispensing of a measured dose and quick reset, preventing dripping and allowing easy adjustment of dose and speed through varying vent and intake sizes, effectively addressing the inefficiencies in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
air inside the piston chamber escapes through the timing vent, allowing the piston body to move towards the closed position
Implementation Method 2
removing the squeezing pressure from the container, creating a reverse vacuum which draws the piston body from the closed position back towards the open position. This motion draws the ball valve from its closed position to the open position quickly allowing a larger volume of air back into the piston chamber
Implementation Method 3
a closure lid connected to the closure body by a living hinge
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing closure for dispensing flowable product from a squeeze container includes a closure body having an upper deck and a dispensing orifice within the upper deck. A timing piston extends downwardly from the upper deck and is located adjacent to the dispensing orifice. The timing piston is movable between an open position wherein a flared piston neck is spaced from the dispensing orifice, and a closed position wherein the flared piston neck closes off the dispensing orifice. A timing vent within the upper deck is in communication with a piston chamber to allow air to escape the piston chamber. An air intake orifice within the upper deck allows air to enter the piston chamber, and a ball valve structure adjacent the bottom surface of the upper deck cooperates with the air intake orifice to control the flow of air through the air intake orifice.