Flat Atomizer Pump with Foldable Reservoir and Vortex Chamber

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturers face challenges in producing small, low-cost atomizer pumps for sampling cosmetic products while maintaining aesthetic appeal and cost-effectiveness, as conventional methods are complex and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A flat atomizer pump design with a thickness of less than 6mm, made from molded plastic parts, featuring a foldable reservoir and a valve system that includes a vortex chamber for atomizing liquids, allowing for efficient and cost-effective production and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional atomizer pumps are used for sampling, then the product appearance is aesthetically appealing, but the manufacturing cost is prohibitively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is divided into separate modular components including a reservoir, pump mechanism, actuator, and nozzle assembly that can be manufactured independently and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for low-cost manufacturing while maintaining overall functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design changes the dimensional parameters of the pump to create a compact, flat profile with reduced thickness that simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces material costs while maintaining aesthetic appeal for sample packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If small sample containers are manufactured, then the product size is reduced for sampling, but the manufacturing complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump design incorporates multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes: the reservoir body also acts as a structural support, the actuator serves both as a pumping mechanism and a spray trigger, and the nozzle integrates both atomization and flow control functions. This universality reduces the number of separate parts needed in small sample containers.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The pump components are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with the actuator fitting into the reservoir body and the nozzle collapsing into the pump mechanism. This nesting capability allows the entire pump assembly to be compacted to a minimal size suitable for small sample packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If conventional pump designs are used, then the pumping function is reliable, but the distribution cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution efficiencyVSAvoiddistribution cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pump incorporates flexible membranes and movable components that dynamically adapt to storage and distribution conditions. The flexible reservoir can be compressed for shipping and expands when in use, while the actuator mechanism dynamically transitions between locked and actuated states. This dynamic design reduces packaging requirements and distribution costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design reduces manufacturing costs and enables mass distribution of low-cost, aesthetically appealing sample pumps that can be easily integrated into magazines and other circulars, providing a cost-effective solution for sampling cosmetic products.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid conduit delivers fluid from the pump chamber to the vortex and the vortex disperses fluid through the orifice.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

The reservoir may be formed by folding at least a portion of the dispenser body over and onto a second portion of the dispenser body and welding the body.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP1993737B1Flat atomizer pump
Publication Date: 2015.06.03 MEADWESTVACO CORP
  • EP1993737B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1993737B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1993737B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A flat pump for producing liquid spray or for producing an atomized liquid stream may have a thickness of 6 millimeters or less. The flat pump may include an internal reservoir, a valve, a valve conduit and a vortex chamber wherein fluid from the reservoir may be pumped through the valve, along the valve conduit, and into the vortex chamber. An atomized liquid stream, spray, or mist formed in the vortex chamber may be expelled from the flat pump.