Molded Dispensing Head with Integrated Filter

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid product distribution heads with small distribution orifices are prone to clogging due to particles, requiring additional filtration measures that complicate manufacturing and packaging processes.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a filter directly into the one-piece body of the distribution head at the junction between the axial inlet well and transverse supply conduit, which is formed during molding, to capture particles before they reach the nozzle, thus minimizing modifications to the dispenser and its manufacturing line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter is added at the inlet of the dip tube or before filling the dispenser tank, then particle filtration is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle filtrationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the filter directly into the distribution head body, merging the filtration function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate filter assemblies and reduces manufacturing steps while maintaining effective particle filtration before fluid reaches the nozzle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution head body performs the filtration function itself through integrated filter elements, making the system self-sufficient. The head body provides both structural containment and filtration capability, eliminating dependency on external filtration systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a filter is placed in the transverse supply conduit, then particle filtration is improved, but the passage section of the supply conduit is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle filtrationVSAvoidfluid flow capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the filter at the junction between the axial inlet well and the transverse supply conduit, utilizing the three-dimensional space at this intersection. The filter is arranged so that particles are captured in the inlet well volume without protruding into or blocking the transverse supply conduit passage, maintaining full fluid flow capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the distribution orifice diameter is reduced to around 150 microns, then spray quality is improved, but the risk of clogging by particles increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray qualityVSAvoidclogging resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements filtration upstream in the inlet well and supply conduit, performing particle removal before the fluid reaches the small 150-micron distribution orifice. This preliminary filtration action prevents particles from accumulating at the narrow orifice, maintaining both spray quality and clogging resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 integrated filter effectively blocks particles in the larger inlet well without reducing the passage section of the supply conduit, reducing the risk of nozzle clogging and maintaining the head's functionality with minimal changes to the molding process.

Implementation Method 1

a filter located in the axial inlet well and/or in the transverse supply conduit, the fluid product passing through the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3634644B1Fluid product dispensing head and assembly for moulding such a head
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP3634644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3634644B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3b

AI summary

A fluid product dispensing head comprising a one-piece head body (1) forming: - an axial inlet well (12) suitable for being connected to a dispensing member (D), such as a pump or a valve, and - a transverse supply pipe (13) that extends from the axial inlet well (12), the dispensing head also comprising a dispensing opening (21) in fluid communication with the transverse supply pipe (13), in which a filter (F) is situated in the axial inlet well (12) and/or in the transverse supply pipe (13).