Dispensing Pump Reserve Mechanism for Opaque Container Level Alert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for fluid or pasty products in opaque containers, such as those used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, lack effective indicators for remaining product levels, often requiring visual indicators that compromise aesthetics, readability, and product preservation, and fail to provide timely alerts for product depletion.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing assembly with a reserve system that maintains product opacity and aesthetics, using a mechanical key system to activate a reserve of product, allowing users to continue using the product until the initial amount is depleted, with a sealed assembly to prevent contamination and pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a transparent outer container with an insertion groove and indicator is used to visualize product level, then product level visibility is improved, but container aesthetics and opacity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the visualization function from the container structure itself and places it within the pump mechanism. The indicator is integrated into the piston or valve assembly rather than being part of the container wall, allowing the container to remain fully opaque while still providing product level information through the transparent pump housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator mechanism is nested within the pump assembly, which is itself contained within or mounted on the opaque container. This nested arrangement allows the indicator to be visible through the transparent pump while the container maintains its opaque aesthetic appearance, resolving the contradiction between visibility and aesthetics.
2Loss of information
If a transparent or translucent identification feature is used to indicate product level, then product level visibility is improved, but product preservation through opacity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the visualization function from the product containment function. The transparent pump housing provides visibility, while the opaque container protects the product from light. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously by assigning different functions to different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent pump assembly acts as an intermediary between the user and the product level information. It provides the necessary visibility without requiring the container itself to be transparent, thus protecting the product from light exposure while still enabling product level monitoring through the pump's transparent housing.
3Loss of information
If multiple transparent zones and indicators are added to the container to improve product level indication, then readability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly serves multiple functions: it dispenses the product, maintains pressure differential, and provides product level indication through its transparent housing and integrated indicator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indicator mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the indication function with the existing pump structure. The indicator is combined with the piston or valve assembly, and the transparent housing serves both as a protective enclosure and as a viewing window. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies manufacturing compared to adding separate indicator systems to an opaque container.
4Loss of information
If an indicator system with multiple components is implemented to show product level, then product level visibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism itself provides the indication function through its natural operation. As the piston moves or the valve rises with product depletion, the indicator automatically displays the product level without requiring additional actuators, power sources, or complex mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining visibility functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1~1.6
Figure 2~2.4
Figure 3~3.4
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly for dispensing a fluid or pasty product including a dispensing device such as a mechanical pump (1, 1a) with a dispensing push-button 3, associated with a container (2) containing a quantity N+R of said product, characterised by including means for stopping or blocking the removal of said product, taking place after the amount N has been dispensed and isolating, inside the container (2), a product supply R that can be used only in a second attempt after the user has activated said supply R using an unblocking system 19, and alerting the user of the upcoming end of the fluid or pasty product to be dispensed. The assembly for dispensing a fluid or pasty product according to the present invention is particularly suitable for the use of creams contained in opaque or semi-opaque bottles, such as cosmetic or pharmaceutical creams, but also for alcoholic products such as perfumes or sensitive pharmaceutical products.