Dispensing Head Outlet Space Volume Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for foaming or foamed products, such as shaving cream, often experience post-dispensing foaming or dripping, leading to undesirable contamination.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing head with an outlet space that reduces volume upon actuation and increases back after dispensing is complete, utilizing an elastic deformation or relative movement of parts to create negative pressure and prevent product escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outlet space volume is kept constant during dispensing, then the dispensing structure is simple, but post-dispensing foaming and dripping occur causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet space volume is made dynamically variable rather than constant. During dispensing, the volume is reduced to maintain positive pressure and prevent product leakage. After dispensing, the volume increases to create negative pressure and suck back any remaining product. This dynamic volume adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the outlet space characteristics to different dispensing phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the volume parameter of the outlet space based on dispensing phase. By reducing volume during dispensing and increasing it afterward, the system creates pressure differentials that prevent post-dispensing foaming and dripping. This parameter change approach allows the same outlet space to serve different functional requirements at different times.
2Loss of substance
If the outlet space volume is reduced during actuation, then product retention is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible elements such as elastic walls or membranes that can deform to reduce outlet space volume during actuation. These flexible structures passively respond to pressure changes, reducing the need for complex active control mechanisms while achieving the desired volume reduction for product retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet space volume is made dynamically variable rather than constant. During dispensing, the volume is reduced to maintain positive pressure and prevent product leakage. After dispensing, the volume increases to create negative pressure and suck back any remaining product. This dynamic volume adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the outlet space characteristics to different dispensing phases.
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
Effectively minimizes post-dispensing foaming and dripping, maintaining product within the device and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
particularly by elastic deformation of a wall (11) of the outlet space (9)
Implementation Method 2
the volume of which is reduced via an associated cylinder-piston arrangement when the valve device is actuated and increased again after the valve device has been actuated
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dispensing device, and to a dispensing head and the use thereof. By pressing down on the dispensing head, an associated dispensing valve is opened, and the product to be dispensed can flow out and/or can be discharged by way of a discharge chamber and a downstream dispensing valve. In order to avoid, or at least minimize, post dripping or foaming, the volume of the discharge chamber is initially reduced when the dispensing head is actuated, and once the actuation is finished, particularly after the dispensing valve is closed, is enlarged again so that the product is suctioned from the outlet, that is, the dispensing valve, back into the discharge chamber.