Dispensing Device Snap-Fastening and Non-Return Valves

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing product dispensing devices, particularly in the medical field, face challenges in preventing bacterial contamination due to inadequate sealing and risk of sterility loss, especially when using chemical preservative-free products.

Innovation Solution

A product dispensing device with a snap-fastening mechanism that securely attaches to the reservoir neck, featuring a clamping collar and outer ring to retain the dispensing nozzle, ensuring airtight and bacteria-proof sealing, combined with non-return valves for additional protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple dispensing device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of sealing against bacteria and liquids deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a pump unit with dosing chamber, a nozzle assembly with non-return valve, and a reservoir. Each segment has specific sealing interfaces that work together to maintain the preservative-free barrier while keeping the overall device simple to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A non-return valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the external environment. This valve acts as a one-way barrier that allows product flow outward while preventing backward contamination, thereby improving sealing reliability without complicating user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If chemical preservatives are eliminated from the product, then product safety and purity are improved, but the risk of bacterial contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct purityVSAvoidbacterial contamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates preliminary protective measures through multiple non-return valves positioned at critical interfaces. These valves are pre-configured to prevent bacterial ingress before contamination can occur, addressing the increased vulnerability of preservative-free products without requiring post-contamination remediation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system is designed with redundant barriers (multiple non-return valves and sealed interfaces) that provide a cushion of protection against potential bacterial contamination. This multi-layer approach ensures that even if one barrier is compromised, other barriers remain intact to protect the preservative-free product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of repair

If the dispensing nozzle is easily removable, then ease of cleaning and maintenance is improved, but the risk of sterility loss and bacterial introduction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle accessibilityVSAvoidsterility maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle assembly is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be easily removed and discarded after use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures, while the low cost of replacement ensures that users will replace rather than risk reusing potentially contaminated nozzles, thereby maintaining sterility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2579992B1Product dispensing device comprising a pump and a dispensing end piece
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 NEMERA LA VERPILLIERE SAS
  • EP2579992B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2579992B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The product dispensing device (10) is added to the neck (14) of a container (12) and comprises: a pump (16) comprising a metering chamber closed by a first needle valve forming a nonreturn valve; a dispensing end piece (18) added to the pump and comprising a second needle valve (66) forming a nonreturn valve and a bearing surface on which a user can press to activate the device; a cap (20) for protecting the device; a clamping collar (22) bearing the cap; and a member (24) for fixing the device on the neck (14) of the container, said member comprising means (88) for attaching the member around the neck, that can be activated by sliding the collar (22) with respect to the fixing member (24) from a pre-assembly configuration to an assembly configuration, an inner ring (80) for centring the pump on the container, and an outer ring (82) carrying means (84) for securing the dispensing end piece.