Dispensing Valve Sealing Mechanism for Leak-Free Refilling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing bottles with filling valves lack reliable sealing and compatibility with various outlet tube configurations, leading to inefficient and leak-prone refilling processes, especially during aspiration-based filling.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing bottle equipped with a filling valve featuring a nozzle with an internal channel and a ring that translates between stable and constrained positions, along with an external seal and actuation zone, ensuring secure communication with the outlet tube and preventing leaks, while accommodating a wide range of outlet tube diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a filling valve is added to enable refilling, then the bottle can be refilled multiple times, but the seal reliability between outlet tube and valve deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefilling capabilityVSAvoidseal tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet tube is nested within the actuation zone of the external seal, with the seal surrounding the tube to create a nested sealing structure. This ensures reliable sealing while maintaining compatibility with various tube configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The external seal acts as an intermediary element between the outlet tube and the valve body, providing a reliable sealing interface that accommodates different tube diameters and configurations while maintaining seal integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the valve is designed for specific outlet tube configurations, then the seal reliability improves, but the adaptability to various outlet tube configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal tightnessVSAvoidcompatibility with outlet tube configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The external seal is designed with an actuation zone that can universally accommodate different outlet tube configurations through pressing action. The seal's geometric features (chamfered edge, hole diameter smaller than opening) allow it to function reliably with various tube sizes and shapes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal design incorporates parameter variations including a hole diameter that is deliberately smaller than the opening external diameter, creating an actuation zone that adapts to different tube configurations while maintaining reliable sealing through the pressing mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the reliability and tightness of the filling process, allowing for efficient and leak-free refilling of the dispensing bottle, regardless of the source bottle's outlet tube configuration, and supports both aspiration and injection-based filling methods.

Implementation Method 1

said valve further comprising a seal external which is interposed between said external wall and said internal bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

said edge forming a chamfer having an external diameter which is less than its internal diameter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical guidance:

Implementation Method 3

a nozzle provided with an internal channel which extends between an upstream orifice opening onto an external wall of said nozzle and a downstream orifice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through channel:

Data Source

PatentEP2511196B1Dispensing unit for a fluid provided with a filling valve
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 ALBEA LE TREPORT
  • EP2511196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2511196B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The bottle has a valve (16) that includes a jet (18) which is provided with internal channel that extends between upstream and downstream orifices (19a,19b). The valve comprises an external seal (32) that is located between external wall and internal length (26). The seal has a hole (24a) that is arranged opposite to upstream orifice and an actuation area is arranged in opening opposite to central length. The actuation area is arranged so as to allow filling by putting outlet tube in sealed abutment on area so as to move jet into communication position.