Fluid Dispenser Head with Flexible Deformable Zone

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid dispensers with axially mounted dispensing heads require off-center pressing, leading to aesthetic issues, inefficient force distribution, and potential fluid loss due to tilting and spillage, especially when used with high viscosity products like creams and gels.

Innovation Solution

The dispensing head incorporates a peripheral skirt with a flexible deformable zone connecting the skirt, cup, and orifice, allowing for balanced pressing force distribution and a sealed junction to prevent fluid loss, maintaining the aesthetic appearance of a classic pot-style dispenser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the dispensing head is mounted axially on the outlet of the dispensing member with the dispensing orifice located in the axis of the dispensing member, then the dispenser has a simple structure, but it requires strong pressing force that deforms the outlet of the dispensing member and causes the dispensing head to tilt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispenser structureVSAvoidpressing force distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a deformable membrane element that allows the dispensing head to dynamically adapt to pressing forces. The membrane deforms under eccentric pressing, redistributing the force through the pumping element without causing rigid tilting or deformation of the dispensing member outlet, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving the simple axial mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the dispensing orifice is located at the axis of the dispensing member, then the structure is simple, but pressing off-center causes the dispensing head to lean or tilt and creates aesthetic issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing head structureVSAvoiddispensing head appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane as the dispensing head structure. This thin film element can deform under off-center pressing forces, absorbing the eccentric load and preventing the rigid tilting that would compromise aesthetic appearance. The membrane's flexibility allows it to return to its original shape after pressing, maintaining the desired appearance while accommodating simple axial mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If the dispensing head is pressed off-center to actuate it, then the structure remains simple, but part of the dispensed fluid product can spill over the edge and pass underneath, causing hygiene issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispenser structureVSAvoidhygiene and product accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable membrane dynamically responds to pressing forces by deforming in the direction of the applied force, which controls the dispensing orifice opening. This dynamic deformation ensures that fluid is dispensed in a controlled manner that remains contained within the recovery cup, preventing spillage underneath the dispensing head even when pressed off-center, thus maintaining hygiene without requiring complex containment structures.

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

This design ensures optimal actuation without tilting, reduces fluid loss, and maintains hygiene by distributing the pressing force around the periphery, even when pressed eccentrically, while maintaining the appearance of a classic pot-style dispenser.

Implementation Method 1

the skirt is connected to the cup, to the bearing surface and to the orifice by a flexible deformable zone... the deformable zone makes it possible to balance the pressing force, when the latter is exerted off-center on the dispensing head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the peripheral skirt makes it possible to produce a junction, advantageously sealed, with the rest of the dispenser... the deformable flexible zone not only makes it possible to connect the skirt to the rest of the head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2442914B1Fluid material dispenser
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP2442914B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2442914B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid material dispenser, including: a fluid material tank (1) provided with an opening (13); a dispensing member (2) such as a pump or a valve provided with a fluid material outlet (24); a fastening ring (3) for attaching the dispensing member (2) onto the opening (13) of the tank (1); and a dispensing head (4) mounted on the outlet (24) of the dispensing member (2), the head including a dispensing opening (43) and a bearing surface (44), on which a user can press using a finger, for actuating the dispensing member (2) to thereby dispense fluid material through the dispensing opening (43), the head (4) further including a dish (45) for collecting fluid material and in which the fluid material from the dispensing opening (43) is collected before being taken by the user, wherein the dispensing head (4) further includes a peripheral skirt (46) rigidly connected to the ring (3) and/or to the tank (1), the skirt (46) being connected to the dish (45), to the bearing surface (44), and to the opening (43) by a flexible deformable area (47), characterized in that the deformable area (47) surrounds the dish (45), the bearing surface (44), and the dispensing opening (43).