Dispensing Head Actuating Ring With Torque Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Screw connections in dispensing systems for liquid containers are prone to damage due to excessive tightening torque, especially when made of plastic, leading to impaired functionality and operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
An actuating ring with overload protection limits the tightening torque to a minimum, preventing damage by automatically decoupling the inner and outer rings when the limit torque is reached, accompanied by an audible click.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the screw connection is tightened with high torque to ensure secure connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the thread components (especially plastic) are damaged or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (overload protection device with breakable element) between the actuating ring and the thread connection. This intermediary absorbs excess torque through controlled breakage, preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the plastic thread components while still allowing adequate tightening for secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The overload protection device is pre-installed in the screw connection mechanism to cushion against excessive torque before damage occurs. The breakable element is designed to fail at a predetermined torque threshold, providing beforehand protection against thread damage during the tightening process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the screw connection is made of plastic for efficiency and corrosion resistance, then manufacturing cost and durability are improved, but the components become more sensitive to torque overload
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable element acts as a sacrificial intermediary that protects the plastic thread components from torque overload. It is positioned between the actuating mechanism and the plastic thread, absorbing excessive forces through controlled failure while allowing the plastic components to remain intact and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a mechanical overload protection mechanism that replicates the function of more complex electronic or sensor-based torque control systems. The breakable element provides a simple, cost-effective solution that mimics the protective function of advanced torque monitoring without requiring additional sensors or control electronics.
3Reliability
If the thread is screwed in tightly to prevent leakage, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the thread becomes tilted or jammed making loosening difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The overload protection device provides beforehand cushioning against excessive tightening forces that would cause thread tilting or jamming. By limiting the maximum torque through the breakable element, the system ensures adequate sealing without creating the over-tightening conditions that lead to difficult loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakable element serves as a mediator that prevents direct transmission of excessive tightening forces to the thread connection. It allows sufficient torque for sealing while blocking any torque that would cause the thread to tilt or jam, facilitating easier subsequent loosening operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Dispensing system (1) with a dispensing head (4) and at least one container (2). The dispensing head (4) can be connected to a container opening (6) of the container (2) by means of a screw connection, so that a stored item can be removed from or fed into the container (2) by means of the dispensing head (4). An actuating ring (15) is provided on the dispensing head (4), the screw connection being established by turning the actuating ring (15) in a tightening direction. The screw connection is loosened by turning the actuating ring (15) in a loosening direction. The actuating ring (15) has an overload protection device by means of which the effective tightening torque when establishing the screw connection is limited to a limit tightening torque.