Dispensing Device Inlet Valve Elastic Deformation Priming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices face challenges with priming, especially when the metering chamber has a small volume, leading to inefficient pressure generation and potential malfunctions, particularly due to sealing issues at non-return valves and the presence of air bubbles.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device design featuring a fixed piston and a movable cylinder body with an inlet non-return valve having a concave shape that elastically deforms to open the metering inlet under negative pressure, reducing communication spaces and enhancing sealing tightness through a synergy of a flexible seal and a separate non-return valve, allowing for improved pressure generation and priming efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the dosing chamber volume is reduced to dispense smaller quantities, then the device can handle smaller product volumes, but the pressure generated during priming becomes insufficient to open the dispensing valve
Solution Approach 1:
The communication spaces are segmented into multiple separate chambers (first communication space between inlet valve and dosing chamber, second communication space between dosing chamber and dispensing valve, third communication space in dispensing head). This segmentation allows pressure to be concentrated in specific small volumes during priming, enabling the dispensing valve to open even when the dosing chamber volume is small.
2Ease of operation
If the dispensing valve resistance is reduced to facilitate opening, then the valve opens more easily, but the risk of accidental opening and bacterial contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into multiple pressure zones separated by check valves. The dispensing valve is isolated in a separate dispensing head with its own communication space, allowing it to be opened by localized pressure without compromising the sealing integrity of the entire system. This maintains contamination protection while enabling controlled opening.
3Reliability
If the inlet non-return valve sealing is improved to prevent air entry, then the seal tightness increases, but the valve may fail to open properly during priming
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet non-return valve incorporates a localized flexible sealing element (elastomeric material) that provides tight sealing under normal conditions but can deform locally under negative pressure during priming to allow air entry. This localized flexibility resolves the contradiction between seal tightness and priming capability.
4Reliability
If multiple pumping operations are performed to achieve priming in small-volume devices, then the dosing chamber fills with product, but the process becomes tedious and may lead to user abandonment
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with air-permeable membranes positioned to allow air entry during the first pumping operation. The flexible sealing elements are pre-positioned to deform under the negative pressure generated during initial priming, enabling air to enter the communication spaces automatically during the first stroke, thereby completing priming in a single operation rather than requiring multiple repetitive pumping actions.
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 design enhances priming efficiency by increasing pressure and reducing the risk of depriming and air entrapment, enabling effective dispensing from smaller metering chambers without the need for excessive pumping, thus improving user experience and reducing the likelihood of device malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
its concave shape elastically deforms so as to open the dosing inlet when subjected to a negative pressure generated in the dosing chamber
Implementation Method 2
pressing the piston with a push button forces the product from the dosing chamber
Implementation Method 3
When the piston moves in the opposite direction, a vacuum is created, drawing the product into the dosing chamber
Implementation Method 4
Check valves at the inlet and outlet of the dosing chamber ensure that the product is correctly pumped towards the dispensing port as the piston descends and drawn back in as it ascends
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for dispensing a product (L), comprising: an element for connection to a container (R) containing the product; a piston (3) that is stationary in relation to the connection element; a cylinder body that moves around the piston, thereby defining a dosing chamber (100), the piston comprising a dosing inlet (35) for said chamber and the apex (64) of the dosing chamber comprising an outlet of the dosing chamber; and an inflow non-return valve (5) with a membrane for opening or closing the dosing inlet, the piston being in two parts, one of which forms a sealing joint with the cylinder body, the piston and the inflow non-return valve forming separate parts and being arranged such that the membrane is tightly clamped to the top of the piston.