Dispensing Head With Joint Outlet Section For Self-Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing and application heads face difficulties in forming and designing the dispensing channel and application shoe, often requiring complex processes to avoid contact between the fluid product and the shoe, which complicates the mounting operation and surface treatment of the application pad.

Innovation Solution

The dispensing channel is formed jointly by the assembly core and the fluid product application pad, with the outlet section running along the outer edges of both components, allowing for a simpler formation and surface treatment, and the dispensing orifice is created between the core and the shoe, facilitating a self-sealing mechanism under pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the distribution channel is passed through the application shoe to avoid fluid product contact, then fluid product contamination is prevented, but the formation of the distribution channel and design of the application shoe become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid product contamination preventionVSAvoiddistribution channel formation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mounting core as an intermediary component between the application shoe and the fluid reservoir. The mounting core contains the distribution channel and positioning protrusions, while the application shoe contains recesses that receive these protrusions. This intermediary structure allows the distribution channel to be formed without passing through the application shoe itself, simplifying both the shoe design and the channel formation process while maintaining fluid product isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the dispensing head into separate functional components: the application shoe (for product application), the mounting core (for channel formation and positioning), and the fluid reservoir. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the application shoe can be simple without through-passages, while the mounting core handles the complex distribution channel routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the distribution channel is deviated to run next to the application shoe, then fluid product contact with the shoe is avoided, but the distribution channel formation becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid product contamination preventionVSAvoiddistribution channel formation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting core serves as a mediator that provides a dedicated space for the distribution channel. Instead of routing the channel next to the application shoe (which complicates manufacturing), the channel is formed within the mounting core structure. The core's positioning protrusions engage with recesses in the shoe, creating a precise interface without requiring the channel to navigate around the shoe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the application pad has a through passage for the distribution channel, then fluid product delivery is enabled, but surface treatment becomes difficult due to hard-to-reach places

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid product deliveryVSAvoidsurface treatment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting core acts as an intermediary that provides the distribution channel pathway, eliminating the need for a through passage in the application pad. The pad can now be a solid structure with excellent surface treatment on all accessible surfaces, while fluid product delivery is maintained through the mounting core's channel system that connects to the pad's outer periphery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design simplifies the production and surface treatment of the application pad, reduces complexity in forming the dispensing channel, and allows for efficient fluid product application without hard-to-reach areas, while providing a thermal effect through the use of materials like metal or ceramic for a cold sensation on the skin.

Implementation Method 1

The core can be made with a flexible material which will deform under the pressure exerted by the fluid product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The application pad is made of a heat transfer material, such as metal or ceramic... to impart a sensation of cold on contact with the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3687703B1Dispensing and application head
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP3687703B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3687703B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3687703B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A dispensing and application head (3) intended to be associated with a dispensing unit (2), such as a pump, the head comprising: - a connecting stub (4t) intended to be connected to the dispensing unit (2), - a mounting core (4n) connected to the connecting stub (4t), - a fluid product application pad (5) mounted on the mounting core (4n) and intended to come into contact with a target surface, - a dispensing channel (Ca, Cs) that passes through the connecting stub (4t) and the mounting core (4) and that forms a dispensing opening (50), characterised in that the dispensing channel (Ca, Cs) comprises an outlet section (Cs) that is formed jointly by the mounting core (4n) and the fluid product application pad (5).