Dispensing Head Membrane Sealing and Microbiocidal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing heads for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products face issues with mechanical and thermal stress, contamination, and complex manufacturing due to deformable components, which affect product distribution and perceived quality.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing head design featuring a membrane with microbiocidal properties, made from materials like silver or copper, and a movable portion with a chamfered bulb for improved sealing and distribution, reducing complexity and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a deformable wall is used to limit product contact with the outside in rest position, then contamination is reduced, but product distribution is blocked when external constraint is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable membrane that dynamically changes its state between rest and actuated positions. In rest position, the membrane is constrained by a retention element to limit product exposure. When external force is applied (e.g., user pressing), the membrane deforms to allow product distribution. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between contamination prevention and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane's physical state is changed from a constrained configuration (limiting product contact) to a deformed configuration (allowing product flow) through application of external force. The retention element controls the parameter of membrane position, enabling transition between protected and dispensing states, thus resolving the contradiction between contamination control and distribution functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex deformable walls are used to close the dispensing path, then contamination is limited, but the components become fragile and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from a complex multi-material insert structure and implements it through a simpler single-piece membrane combined with a retention element. The membrane alone provides the deformable sealing action, while the retention element provides the constraining force. This separation simplifies manufacturing and reduces fragility while maintaining contamination protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than a complex permanent insert. The simplicity of the membrane structure (a single deformable wall) makes it more durable and easier to manufacture than complex multi-material inserts, resolving the contradiction between contamination control and manufacturing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If deformable walls with complex geometry are used, then the dispensing path can be closed, but the walls have difficulty returning to rest position
Solution Approach 1:
The retention element acts as a pre-positioned restoring mechanism that continuously exerts a constraining force on the membrane to maintain it in the rest position. This prior cushioning force ensures the membrane reliably returns to and remains in the closed position after deformation, preventing contamination and resolving the recovery duration issue.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex insert with multiple materials is used, then the dispensing path can be controlled, but manufacturing becomes difficult at industrial rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing system into two simple components: a membrane and a retention element. Each component can be manufactured independently using simple processes, avoiding the need for complex multi-material molding or assembly required for integrated inserts. This segmentation enables industrial-rate manufacturing while maintaining contamination control functionality.
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 better product distribution under external constraints, extends the dispensing head's lifespan, and provides microbiocidal protection, enhancing user experience and product quality while simplifying manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane is capable of ensuring a microbiocidal action on the product
Implementation Method 2
the bulb extends at least partially into said exit port; the groove extends from a periphery from the contact wall to a peripheral wall of one end of said bulb
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
distribution head (1) for a product distribution system in which said head (1) comprises a body (2) having a housing being provided with an anvil (7) around which a nozzle (8) is mounted, said nozzle (8) comprising an outlet orifice (10) for communicating the housing (6) with the outside, and in which the head (1) comprises a membrane (15) attached around the periphery of the anvil (7) in the housing so as to form between the membrane (15) and the nozzle (8) a product distribution path.