Fluid Product Dispensing Module With Integrated Venting Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid product dispensing modules lack the ability to manage the cross-flow of fluid product and outside air, leading to potential pressure imbalances in the reservoir, which can affect the dispensing process and product quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a venting path into the fluid product dispensing module that allows outside air to enter the reservoir, with a valve that selectively opens and closes both the fluid flow path and the venting path, ensuring the reservoir remains at atmospheric pressure and maintaining a double seal to prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fluid product dispensing module is used without a venting path, then the structure is simpler, but pressure imbalances occur in the reservoir affecting dispensing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the venting path and fluid flow path into a single integrated module. The movable element simultaneously controls both the venting path (allowing air to enter the reservoir) and the fluid flow path (controlling product dispensing), eliminating the need for separate venting components and maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring reliable dispensing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element serves multiple functions: it acts as a valve for the fluid flow path and simultaneously as a valve for the venting path. This multi-functional design allows a single component to manage both product dispensing and pressure balance, improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If the valve opens the fluid flow path for dispensing, then product flow is enabled, but the reservoir may develop pressure imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The venting path remains open simultaneously with the fluid flow path during dispensing operations. As fluid product leaves the reservoir through the flow path, outside air continuously enters through the venting path, maintaining atmospheric pressure in the reservoir throughout the entire dispensing process and preventing pressure imbalances that would otherwise occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The control of venting and fluid flow are merged into a single operational mechanism. The movable element's position simultaneously determines the state of both paths, ensuring that when fluid dispensing occurs, venting also occurs, thereby maintaining pressure balance throughout the dispensing operation.
3Reliability
If outside air enters the reservoir through the venting path, then pressure balance is maintained, but fluid product may leak through the same path
Solution Approach 1:
The movable element creates different sealing conditions at different locations and times. When in the closed position, it provides a tight seal against the radial shoulder to prevent fluid leakage through the venting path. When opened for dispensing, the sealing surface moves to allow air flow while the double seal mechanism prevents fluid from following the air path outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is dynamic rather than static. The movable element changes its position and sealing configuration based on operational requirements: it seals tightly during storage to prevent leakage, and opens to allow venting during dispensing. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the harmful effect of leakage while maintaining the beneficial effect of pressure balance.
4Reliability
If a double seal is implemented to prevent leaks, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The double seal mechanism is integrated into the single movable element of the valve. Both sealing surfaces are formed on the same component that also controls the venting path, combining multiple sealing functions into one element rather than requiring separate sealing components for each path.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element is a multi-functional component that simultaneously: (1) controls the venting path, (2) controls the fluid flow path, and (3) provides double sealing against the radial shoulder. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single component achieves high sealing reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
This solution allows for simultaneous control of fluid flow and venting, maintaining atmospheric pressure in the reservoir, enhancing the dispensing process and product quality by preventing pressure imbalances and ensuring a consistent flow.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (4) acting between the insert piece (2) and the moving part (3) to stress the moving part (3) in the rest position
Implementation Method 2
opens these two lateral openings in an open position under the pressure of the fluid upstream of the movable element against the spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A fluid product dispensing module (M) intended to be incorporated into a fluid product dispensing head mounted on a fluid product reservoir, the fluid product dispensing module (M) comprising a fluid product inlet (13), a dispensing orifice (50) and a fluid product flow path (Cp) between the fluid product inlet (13) and the dispensing orifice (50), the dispensing module (M) further comprising a valve (3, 20) that selectively shuts off said fluid product flow path (Cp), said valve (3, 20) opening under a determined pressure of the fluid product in the fluid product flow path (Cp) upstream from the valve (3, 20), characterised in that it further comprises a vent path (Ca) for venting the fluid product reservoir.