Elastic One-Way Valve with Cuts for Low-Cost Liquid Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-way valves for discharging liquids from containers are complex and costly, particularly when designed for small amounts like eye drops, and often require additional seals or components.
Innovation Solution
A simple one-way valve design featuring an elastic valve body with a central projection and strategically placed cuts or slits that open under pressure to allow liquid discharge, closing automatically, integrated with an outer cap, which can be produced at low costs and is suitable for various liquid consistencies and container types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional one-way valve design with valve seat and valve body is used, then the valve can discharge liquid, but the design becomes complex and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the valve body and valve seat into a single integrated component. The elastic valve body (6) contains both the sealing function (against container neck 1) and the discharge control function (via projection 12 in exit channel 7), eliminating the need for separate valve seat and valve body components, thus simplifying the structure and reducing production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic valve body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals against the container neck, controls liquid discharge through its projection movement, and provides one-way valve functionality. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall valve structure
2Reliability
If additional seals or components are added to ensure proper sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but the number of components and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic valve body utilizes its own material elasticity to achieve sealing without requiring additional seal components. The elastic material naturally conforms to the container neck surface and maintains sealing pressure through its inherent elastic recovery, making the valve body self-sealing and eliminating the need for separate seal elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the valve body to elastic material, which allows the valve to achieve reliable sealing through material deformation rather than through complex mechanical sealing structures. The elasticity enables the valve to adapt to surface irregularities and maintain sealing under varying pressure conditions
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 valve ensures efficient, cost-effective discharge of small liquid volumes without contamination, suitable for both airless and atmospherically vented containers, with optional air filtration and pressure compensation, maintaining a clean and sealed system.
Implementation Method 1
A valve body 6 of elastic material is arranged between a container 1 and an outer cap 3
Data Source
AI summary
The one-way valve for discharging a liquid out of a container, comprising an outer cap which is fastened to the container neck and comprises an exit channel for the liquid is characterized in that a valve body of elastic material is arranged between the container and the outer cap, that the valve body extends over the opening of the container neck and comprises a projection which projects into the exit channel of the outer cap and is arranged therein to be movable back and forth, that a space remains between the inner wall of the exit channel and the outer circumference of the projection, and that at least one cut severs the wall of the valve body, through which cut liquid passes into the space of the exit channel upon exertion of pressure on the container.