A disposable pump, a dispensing system comprising a pump and a method for dispensing liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable pumps are not suitable for use with collapsible containers, particularly semi-rigid types, as they require excessive suction force and often leak, and existing solutions are costly and complex with multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A disposable pump design featuring a housing with a regulator that includes a resilient stem and valves, allowing for external force activation to create a tilted position for dispensing and automatic return to the closed position, using the resiliency of plastic materials to overcome negative pressure, and incorporating a suck-back mechanism to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing disposable pumps are used with collapsible containers, then the pump structure is simple, but the pump requires excessive suction force and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into multiple functional components: a housing forming a chamber, a regulator with valves, and a resilient stem. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator includes valves that prevent backflow and leakage before negative pressure can cause problems. The resilient stem is pre-configured to automatically counteract negative pressure effects, providing preliminary protection against leakage while maintaining simple overall structure.
2Device complexity
If existing disposable pumps are used with collapsible containers, then the pump structure is simple, but the suction force required is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient stem provides dynamic response to pressure changes, automatically adjusting the valve positions based on the negative pressure generated during dispensing. This dynamic mechanism reduces the excessive suction force requirement while keeping the pump structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator automatically regulates flow and the resilient stem automatically counteracts negative pressure without requiring additional actuation mechanisms. This self-regulating system reduces the suction force needed while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If a resilient stem and regulator are added to enable automatic return, then the pump can be activated by external force, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator and resilient stem are merged into a single integrated component that combines valve regulation and return functionality. This merging reduces overall device complexity while enabling external force activation and automatic return to closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator serves multiple functions: it controls liquid flow, responds to pressure changes, and works with the resilient stem to enable automatic return. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, keeping device complexity manageable while improving ease of operation.
4Extent of automation
If the pump uses resiliency of plastic materials to overcome negative pressure, then no external force return is needed, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump utilizes changes in the physical parameters of plastic materials, specifically their resiliency and elastic recovery properties. By selecting appropriate plastic materials with controlled resiliency parameters, the pump achieves automatic return functionality while managing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 pump effectively dispenses liquids from collapsible containers without external force return, is resistant to leakage, and can be recycled as a single unit, addressing the complexity and cost issues of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the return means uses the resiliency of said plastic material for overcoming a negative pressure created in the collapsible container during emptying thereof
Implementation Method 2
a volume of liquid is drawn from the container to the chamber by means of a negative pressure created in the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a disposable pump for a dispensing system for dispensing liquids, in particular for a system which comprises a compressible container (400). The pump (1) comprises a housing (100) forming a chamber (110), wherein the pressure may be varied, and a dispensing opening (120). A regulator (200) is fixedly arranged in the chamber (110) for regulating a flow of liquid between the container (400) and the chamber (110) and between the chamber (110) and the dispensing opening (120). The regulator comprising an outer valve (220) for regulating the flow between the chamber (110) and the dispensing opening (120). The pump is characterised in the outer valve (220) being displaceable between a symmetrical position which corresponds to said closed position and a tilted position which corresponds to said dispensing position. The displacement requiring external force being applied to the pump (1) and transferred to said regulator (200). The application also includes a dispensing system comprising a pump and a method for dispensing liquid.