Dispenser for a flowable medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers face challenges in efficiently filling and dispensing flowable media across a wide viscosity range, particularly when ambient temperature drops or more viscous media are used, leading to reduced or blocked flow rates due to air pressure buildup and inability of air to escape.
Innovation Solution
A filling level-dependent, electrically controllable closure device is assigned to the air opening, which can open to release air and reduce pressure, and may include a suction pump or reversible pump to assist flow, along with a non-return valve and level-dependent activation via a float and magnetic or mechanical mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the air opening remains open to allow air escape, then the filling process is efficient and fast, but air overpressure cannot be prevented when viscosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is designed to dynamically adjust its state between open and closed based on the actual filling conditions. During normal filling with low-viscosity media, the device remains open to allow air escape and maintain high filling speed. When viscosity increases or temperature drops causing slow filling, the device automatically closes to prevent air overpressure, thus adapting the system behavior to varying operational conditions and resolving the contradiction between filling speed and flow rate consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a level sensor that continuously monitors the filling process and provides feedback to control the closure device. When the sensor detects that the medium level has reached a predetermined threshold, it triggers the closure device to open or close accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that air can escape during active filling (maintaining productivity) while preventing overpressure when filling slows down due to viscosity changes (maintaining reliability).
2Reliability
If the closure device is opened to release air, then overpressure is reduced and filling continues, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is designed as a self-regulating component that automatically responds to filling conditions without requiring external control systems. The level sensor directly actuates the closure device through a simple mechanical or electromagnetic connection, allowing the system to self-manage air pressure regulation. This self-service approach achieves reliable pressure management while minimizing the addition of complex control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a closure device as an intermediary element between the air opening and the filling process. This intermediary component mediates the conflict between needing air escape for fast filling and preventing overpressure for reliable operation. By placing this intelligent intermediary at the air opening, the system achieves pressure management with minimal impact on overall device complexity, as the closure device integrates seamlessly into the existing container structure.
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
Ensures efficient filling and dispensing of media with varying viscosities, including high-viscosity media like abrasive soap, by managing air pressure and flow rate, preventing overpressure buildup and maintaining consistent dispensing performance.
Implementation Method 1
the outflow of a medium from the reservoir, the viscosity of which is even higher, can be assisted by equipping the closure device with a suction pump, by means of which a negative pressure is generated in the container
Implementation Method 2
the discharge pump for the medium can optionally also be supported by means of a reversible pump, for example a reversible peristaltic pump, by building up an overpressure in the container
Implementation Method 3
level-dependent activation via a float and magnetic or mechanical mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In a dispenser for a flowable medium, with a housing (1) in which a container (3) which has an outlet (5) on the underside and which is provided on the top with a receptacle (10) for a replaceable supply (20), and a pump (17) associated with the outlet (5) are arranged, the container (3) has an air opening (4) which is above the maximum fill level of the container (3). The air opening (4) is assigned a controllable closure device (12).