Finger Spray Pump Axial Spring Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing finger spray pumps lack an optimal arrangement of piston and pump head springs, which affects their design and functionality, particularly in terms of compactness and ease of securing to different container necks.

Innovation Solution

The piston and pump head springs are supported on a locking part, arranged axially one behind the other, with the locking part also serving to secure the pump to containers through crimp, bounce, or screw connections, allowing for a compact design and varying spring constants to optimize performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the piston spring and pump head spring are supported on separate structures, then the spring arrangement is simple, but the pump head design becomes complex and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring arrangementVSAvoidpump head design
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it locks the pump cylinder to the container neck and provides support for both the piston spring and pump head spring. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate support structures, resulting in a compact and simple overall design while maintaining all necessary spring support functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed as a multi-functional component that serves as both a securing mechanism for the container neck and a support structure for the spring system. By making the locking element universal in its functionality, the patent reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the pump head design without compromising structural integrity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the locking element is designed solely for securing to container necks, then the attachment function is simple, but it cannot support the spring system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment to container necksVSAvoidlocking element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it locks the pump cylinder to the container neck and provides support for both the piston spring and pump head spring. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate support structures, resulting in a compact and simple overall design while maintaining all necessary spring support functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed as a multi-functional component that serves as both a securing mechanism for the container neck and a support structure for the spring system. By making the locking element universal in its functionality, the patent reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the pump head design without compromising structural integrity.

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

3Shape

If both springs are arranged outside the medium path, then the design is compact and slim, but the spring arrangement becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump compactnessVSAvoidspring arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges the piston spring and pump head spring in different spatial dimensions and positions. The piston spring is positioned radially outward from the piston rod, while the pump head spring is positioned axially above the piston spring. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows both springs to be located outside the medium path, achieving a compact and slim pump design while managing spring complexity through spatial organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This arrangement enables a compact, slim design with improved spring functionality and secure attachment options, enhancing the finger spray pump's operational efficiency and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

The piston rod can be displaced against the force of a first spring, in particular a piston spring, and furthermore against the force of a second spring, preferably a pump head spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3186012B1Finger spray pump
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 RPC BRAMLAGE
  • EP3186012B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3186012B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3186012B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a finger spray pump (1) for spraying a medium (M), which comprises a finger-actuated pump head (4), an outlet nozzle (11) and a pump chamber (36) which comprises an inlet valve (E) and a pump piston (13) which can be moved by moving the pump head (4). The medium (M) passes through a medium path (11) between the pump chamber (36) and outlet nozzle (10), additionally, the pump piston (13) forms, in cooperation with a piston rod (6), an outlet valve (A) and said pump piston (13) can be moved with respect to the piston rod (6) counter to the force of a first spring (F1 ) for actuating the outlet valve (A), said piston rod (6) can be moved counter to the force of a second spring (F 2 ). Additionally, both springs (F1 and F 2 ) are arranged outside of the medium path (11). In order to obtain a compact design, both springs (F1 and F 2 ) are arranged at a distance from each other, axially independent from the pump position. Alternatively or additionally, the pump cylinder (15) is connected on the upper side to a latching part (19) and said latching part (19) is designed to support a pump head spring (24) which supports the pump head (4) with respect to the pump cylinder (15).