Dispensing Head Membrane Prevents Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic dispensing systems face challenges in preventing microbial contamination, particularly retro-contamination from the outlet passage to the tank, and in maintaining product integrity by avoiding drying and oxidation, especially when the dispensing head is not in use.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing head with a reversibly deformable membrane insert in the nozzle, made of materials with microbiocidal or microbiostatic properties, ensures a controlled communication interface between the upstream and downstream parts, reducing contamination risks and maintaining product integrity by minimizing contact with air and preventing bacterial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformable membrane is used to seal the outlet passage between dispensings, then microbial contamination is reduced, but the membrane sticks together in the closed position after prolonged non-use causing sudden product release
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophilic coating is applied to the membrane surface to act as an intermediary layer that maintains hydration and prevents adhesion between the membrane and product. This coating mediates the interaction between the hydrophobic membrane material and the aqueous product, allowing the membrane to remain sealed during storage while preventing sticking that would cause sudden product release.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the membrane are modified by applying a hydrophilic coating that changes the wettability parameter of the membrane surface. This parameter change allows the membrane to maintain contact with the product without adhesion, enabling controlled release after prolonged non-use while maintaining the seal's integrity for contamination prevention.
2Reliability
If the membrane is placed in direct contact with outside air to seal the outlet, then sealing is achieved, but rapid drying of the product at the sealing interface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed as a flexible thin film that can deform to maintain sealing contact while minimizing its exposure to outside air. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the outlet passage geometry, creating an effective seal that prevents both microbial contamination and product drying by reducing the product's contact area with air.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic coating on the membrane surface acts as an intermediary that retains moisture at the sealing interface. This coating layer prevents direct evaporation of the product to the air while allowing the membrane to maintain its sealing function, thus preventing product drying without compromising the seal.
3Reliability
If the communication interface dimension is minimized to prevent contamination, then microbial protection is improved, but product release becomes insufficient after prolonged non-use
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed to be dynamically deformable under product pressure. During dispensing, the membrane deforms to open the communication interface sufficiently for product flow. During storage, it returns to its minimal dimension state to prevent contamination. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to satisfy both contamination prevention and adequate product release requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimension of the communication interface is changed dynamically based on operating conditions. During storage, the interface dimension is minimized to prevent microbial contamination. During dispensing, product pressure causes the membrane to deform, increasing the interface dimension to allow sufficient product flow. The hydrophilic coating ensures this transition occurs smoothly without adhesion issues.
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 effectively prevents microbial contamination and ensures gradual product release even after prolonged non-use, while reducing the risk of product drying and adhesion issues, ensuring the product's quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
said membrane being reversibly deformable by pressure from the product coming from the upstream part, between a resting state in which the dimension of the communication interface is minimal and a constrained state in which the dimension of said interface is increased to ensure distribution
Implementation Method 2
said nozzle being preferably suitable for ensuring a microbiocidal or at least microbiostatic action on the product contained at least in the downstream part of the distribution space
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4a~6b
AI summary
The invention relates to a dispensing head for a product dispensing system, said head comprising a body (1) having a mounting well (3) for said head on a pressurized product supply tube (6) and a housing (10) in communication with said well via a distribution path (11), said housing being equipped with a nozzle (12) delimiting a dispensing space (13) between said path and an outlet passage (14) formed in said nozzle, the nozzle (12) being equipped with an insert (18) which has a membrane (19) forming in space (13) a communication interface (20) between an upstream part (13a) into which the path (11) opens and a downstream part (13b) which feeds the outlet passage (14), said membrane being reversibly deformable by pressure from the product coming from the upstream part (13a),between a resting state in which the dimension of the interface (20) is minimal and a constrained state in which the dimension of said interface is increased to ensure distribution, said nozzle being preferably suitable for ensuring a microbiocidal or at least microbiostatic action on the product contained at least in the downstream part (13b).