Dispensing pump with locking structures and methods of using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing pumps for liquids and viscous materials face challenges in recyclability due to the presence of metal springs and non-recyclable locking mechanisms, which impede recycling processes and increase costs with additional components.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing pump design featuring a polymer compression spring assembly and polymer or paper-based locking structures, including a guide tube and sliding plug mechanism, allows for easy recycling by using friction and interfitting tabs to secure the dispensing head in both retracted and extended positions, with optional features like snap beads and frangible tear strips for enhanced locking and user guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring is used in the dispensing pump, then the pump can reliably return to its resting position, but the recycling process is impeded due to the need to separate metal from plastic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the spring from metal to polymer, transforming it from a non-recyclable component to a recyclable one while maintaining the functional requirement of returning the dispensing head to its resting position through elastic recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by integrating the polymer spring with plastic pump components, creating a homogeneous recyclable assembly that eliminates the need for material separation during recycling processes
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent actuation during shipping, then product safety is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with existing structural components of the pump assembly, such as integrating the lock into the dispensing head or nozzle structure, thereby preventing inadvertent actuation without adding separate locking components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs components to serve multiple functions: the dispensing head structure simultaneously provides dispensing function and locking function, eliminating the need for dedicated locking components and reducing overall 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
The design enables the dispensing pump to be shipped in a locked state, preventing accidental actuation and facilitating easy recycling of all components, reducing shipping space and costs while ensuring recyclability and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer compression spring assembly and polymer or paper locking structures allowing the pump to be more easily recycled
Implementation Method 2
The piston stem and attached piston stem plug are retained in the locked (retracted) position by friction between the lower portions of the plug and guide tube
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A dispensing pump (100) includes a spring assembly (108) and a locking arrangement (110) to prevent the dispensing head (104) from being deployed and/or actuated during shipment, stocking and pre-purchase handling. The dispensing pump (100) includes a pump base (102), and a dispensing head (104) having a piston stem (106). The spring assembly (108) includes a slotted tubular spring element (120) and first and second loading cones (122, 124) received at opposing ends of the slotted tubular spring element (120). Various locking arrangements may include interacting rotatable lugs (150) provided between the dispensing head (104) and the pump base (102), snap beads (252) to retain the piston (106) and dispensing head (104) in a secured shipping position, and recyclable locking rings (356) disposed between the dispensing head (104) and pump base (102) which prevent an active dispensing head (104) from being actuated.