Fluid Dispenser With Flexible Membrane Dosing Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers of fluid products have limited dispensing and intake capacities due to a considerable minimum volume of the dosing chamber, and the outflow valve defined by the membrane with the dispensing head can obstruct fluid flow, requiring greater force for dispensing and allowing unwanted product escapes.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a dosing chamber defined by a flexible membrane and a disc-shaped body, where the membrane and disc-shaped body deform to vary the chamber volume, allowing for increased capacity and efficient fluid flow without obstruction, and a delayed closure mechanism to prevent residual fluid escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the dosing chamber is defined by a membrane and dispensing head with considerable minimum volume, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the dispensing capacity and intake capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing chamber is segmented into two distinct components: a flexible membrane and a separate dispensing head with defined geometry. This segmentation allows the minimum volume to be minimized by the membrane's flexibility while the dispensing head provides a controlled maximum volume, thereby increasing dispensing capacity without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane is used to define one boundary of the dosing chamber. This membrane can deform to accommodate varying volumes, allowing the chamber to achieve a very small minimum volume while maintaining structural integrity. The flexibility of the membrane enables the chamber to minimize its volume during dispensing, thereby increasing capacity.
2Ease of operation
If the outflow valve is defined by the combination of membrane with the dispensing head, then the structure is integrated and simple, but the deformed membrane can obstruct the outflow of product requiring greater force
Solution Approach 1:
The outflow valve is segmented from the membrane, with a separate valve mechanism defined by the dispensing head geometry. This separation prevents the membrane from obstructing the outflow path, as the valve is controlled by the dispensing head's defined geometry rather than membrane deformation. Consequently, less force is required for dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The outflow valve function is extracted from the membrane and assigned to the dispensing head structure. The dispensing head's geometry defines the outflow path independently of membrane deformation, eliminating the obstruction problem and reducing the force required for dispensing operation.
3Reliability
If the membrane adheres along its own edge to the dispensing head to define the outflow valve, then the sealing is effective, but residual product remains in the dispensing nozzle and can fall outwards by gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The delayed closure mechanism performs a preliminary action by maintaining the outflow valve open for a predetermined time after dispensing stops. This allows residual product in the dispensing nozzle to be emptied by gravity before the valve closes and sealing occurs. The sealing effectiveness is maintained because the valve closes after the residual product has been removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The outflow valve closure is made dynamic with a delayed closure mechanism that opens for a predetermined time and then closes. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to the dispensing process: the valve remains open during dispensing and for a predetermined time afterward to allow residual product to drain, then closes to prevent contamination. This dynamic control maintains sealing effectiveness while preventing product loss.
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 dispenser achieves enhanced dispensing and intake capacities with reduced operational force, preventing unwanted product escapes and ensuring easy use by minimizing the minimum dosing chamber volume and utilizing a separate outflow valve to prevent fluid obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
when the volume of the dosing chamber is reduced, the overpressure thus produced expels outwards the portion of fluid portion contained therein
Implementation Method 2
when the volume of the dosing chamber is increased the vacuum thus created aspirates a subsequent portion of product from the container to the dosing chamber
Implementation Method 3
the membrane also serves as a return elastic means
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser of fluid products includes a ring nut (2) able to be associated to a container of a fluid product and a substantially hollow dispensing head, able to slide coaxially relative to the ring nut (2); the dispensing head (8) includes a dosing chamber (14) obtained within the dispensing head (8) and a dispensing nozzle (12) to allow the outflow of the fluid product; the dosing chamber (14) has a containment volume variable between a configuration of maximum volumetric capacity when the dosing chamber (14) is isolated and a configuration of minimum volumetric capacity; the dispenser further includes a deformable membrane (15) fastened to the ring nut (2) and a deformable disc-shaped body (16) fastened to the dispensing head (8) and defining the dosing chamber (14) in combination with the membrane (15).