Flow Reducer for Pressurized Dispenser Stem

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure product distributors, particularly aerosol generators with two-track valves, face challenges in adjusting the flow of products to meet specific application needs while maintaining compatibility with standard STEM and diffuser components.

Innovation Solution

A flow reducer is designed to be mounted on the STEM of a two-lane valve, extending the paths of the two tracks and allowing for the adaptation of the number and section of output orifices to control the flow of each product independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the cross-section of channels in the stem is reduced to limit product flow rate, then the aerosol/foam quality is improved, but the filling speed of the container is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol/foam qualityVSAvoidfilling speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the flow control function into two separate locations: the stem maintains large channel cross-sections for high filling speed, while the diffuser incorporates a flow reducer with restricted orifices to control product flow rate for quality aerosol/foam generation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow reducer acts as an intermediary component placed between the stem and diffuser. It has a body with restricted orifices that control the flow rate from the stem's large channels to the diffuser, mediating between the high flow capacity of the stem and the flow control requirements of the diffuser for quality product dispensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If different cross-sections of channels are designed for stems with different product viscosities, then the desired flow rate for each product is achieved, but the number of different stems and molds required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidnumber of different stems and molds
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow reducer is designed as a universal component that can be used with stems of various configurations (single-way, two-way, different viscosities). By placing flow control in the diffuser rather than the stem, a single stem design can serve multiple product types, while the flow reducer is adjusted to match specific viscosity and flow rate requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of changing the physical dimensions of the stem for different products, the invention changes the flow control parameters in the diffuser's flow reducer. The number and size of orifices in the flow reducer are adjusted as variables to accommodate different product viscosities and desired flow rates, while the stem remains standardized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the number and size of orifices in the stem are reduced to control flow rate, then the product flow rate is limited, but the filling operation becomes more difficult and slower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct flow rateVSAvoidfilling operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the flow control function from the filling function. The stem's large orifices maintain ease of filling operations, while the flow reducer in the diffuser with its controlled orifices limits the product flow rate during dispensing. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously in different parts of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3765385B1Flow reducer for a pressurized product dispenser
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 LINDAL FRANCE
  • EP3765385B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3765385B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3765385B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a flow reducer (10) for a pressurized product dispenser of the type provided with a valve (30) equipped with a stem (20) having at least a first channel, and with a diffuser. According to the invention, the flow reducer (10) is a part separate from the stem and from the diffuser and comprises - a recess open on one side via an opening and able to be fitted by the opening over the stem (20) of a valve (30), - one or more first outlet orifices (134) which, when the reducer is mounted on the stem (20) of a valve, are able to be connected in a sealed manner to the first channel of the stem (20) of the valve while forming an extension (133) of the first channel, the outer face of the reducer, on the side opposite to the opening of the recess, having in part a contour substantially identical to that of the part of the stem (20) projecting from the valve that is intended to be covered by the reducer.