Dispensing Head Lever Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing devices for fluids, such as cleaning agents or pharmaceuticals, often lack a simple, reliable, and cost-effective mechanism for safe operation and transportation, as they can accidentally dispense fluid during transport due to lack of secure actuation mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing device with a flexible bellows pump and an operating lever that secures the actuating arm in a position to prevent accidental dispensing, featuring a locking mechanism that prevents fluid leakage during transport, eliminating the need for additional security parts and reducing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple dispensing device design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but accidental dispensing during transport occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidprevention of accidental dispensing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is integrated into the actuating lever assembly itself, merging the safety function with the existing actuation mechanism. The detent feature and cam surface are built into the actuating lever, eliminating the need for separate locking components while preventing accidental dispensing during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If additional security parts are added to prevent accidental dispensing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of accidental dispensingVSAvoidnumber of security components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating lever provides its own locking function through integrated detent features and cam surfaces. The mechanism locks itself in the retracted position without requiring external security components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable prevention of accidental dispensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the actuating lever is always accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental activation during transport increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of actuating leverVSAvoidaccidental activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating lever is pre-locked in the retracted position by the detent mechanism during transport. This preliminary locking action prevents accidental activation before the device is intentionally activated by the user, while still allowing easy operation when needed by simply pressing the release button.

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 solution ensures safe and reliable operation by preventing fluid leakage during transport, enhancing user safety and reducing production costs through a simplified design that integrates security features within the device itself.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible bellows (5) for conveying the fluid (F)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

An inlet valve of the pump chamber is formed by an annular sealing lip that is pre-tensioned against a counter surface and thus seals against it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic pre-tensioning: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3765205B1Dispensing head and dispenser
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 APTAR DORTMUND GMBH
  • EP3765205B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3765205B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3765205B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispensing device (2) for dispensing a fluid. The dispensing device (2) comprises a pump device (4) for conveying the fluid from a container (3). The pump device (4) can be actuated preferably by means of an actuating lever (21) of the dispensing device (2) and/or is formed by a flexible bellows (5). Furthermore, a dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid with a container (3) and a dispensing device (2) is disclosed.