Dispensing Device Pre-Assembled Seal Fixing Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid product dispensing devices face issues with seal positioning and assembly complexity, leading to potential deformations and increased risk of malfunctions, especially when the dispenser manufacturer is different from the product manufacturer.

Innovation Solution

A device with a pre-assembled neck gasket in a fixing ring that eliminates radial compressive forces on the dispenser body and features fixing profiles for secure anchoring, simplifying assembly and ensuring perfect sealing without requiring high dimensional precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the seal is positioned around the pump or valve body during assembly, then the sealing function is achieved, but radial stresses deform the pump or valve body leading to malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the seal positioning function from the pump body by introducing a dedicated seal holder component. The seal is positioned around the holder rather than directly on the pump body, dividing the assembly into distinct functional segments that avoid mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal holder acts as an intermediary component between the seal and the pump body. It receives the seal and transfers it to the final position without the seal directly contacting and deforming the pump body, thus mediating the assembly process to eliminate harmful radial stresses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple assembly steps are required for fixing the pump and sealing, then the sealing function is achieved, but the complexity and risk of malfunctions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidassembly sequence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the seal holder fixation and seal positioning into a single integrated component assembly. The seal holder is pre-fixed to the pump body with the seal already in place, combining multiple operations into one unit that reduces assembly steps and minimizes malfunction risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal is pre-positioned on the seal holder before the holder is fixed to the pump body. This preliminary action ensures proper seal alignment and positioning is achieved in advance, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly adjustments and reducing the overall assembly sequence complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the seal is compressed between the neck edge and fixing ring, then sealing is achieved, but the assembly requires high dimensional precision increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoiddimensional precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the sealing mechanism from direct compression between rigid surfaces to a controlled deformation of the elastomeric seal within the seal holder. This parameter change allows for tolerance compensation through material elasticity rather than requiring precise dimensional control of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric seal utilizes the flexible properties of rubber or plastic materials to adapt to dimensional variations in the assembly. The flexible seal deforms to create an effective seal even when there are slight dimensional deviations, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution simplifies and stabilizes the assembly process, reduces the risk of malfunctions, and allows for easy adaptation to standard fixing rings, enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the dispensing device.

Implementation Method 1

a seal which is made of an elastomeric or plastic material capable of deforming by being constrained between an upper edge of the neck and a fixing element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1915302B1Dispensing device comprising an assembly designed to be fixed on the neck of a fluid product container
Publication Date: 2009.12.30 VALOIS SA(FR)
  • EP1915302B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1915302B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention concerns an assembly designed to be fixed on a container holding a fluid product, said assembly comprising a fixing ring (1) adapted to secure a dispensing member (3), such as a pump or a valve, on the neck of the container, and a seal (2) designed to be interposed between the fixing ring (1) and said container neck, said seal (2) being pre-mounted in close-fitting engagement in the fixing ring (1) so as to maintain said seal (2) in stressed state in said ring (1) before and after fixing said assembly on said container neck.