Fluid Dispenser Refill Cartridge Sealing via Rotary Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid product dispensers are not easily refillable, leading to waste and inconvenience, as they do not facilitate seamless integration of refill cartridges with secure sealing and intuitive handling, potentially resulting in fluid loss during the refilling process.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser design featuring a case with a dispensing head and a refill cartridge that connects via screwing, utilizing a rotary actuation ring for easy insertion and sealing, with cam tracks and pins ensuring a secure axial and radial connection, allowing for seamless refilling without fluid loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a refill cartridge is inserted into the case to connect the fluid reservoir to the dispensing head, then the dispenser becomes refillable and reduces waste, but the connection process may result in fluid loss during refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating the watertight seal through the screwing motion BEFORE the refill cartridge is fully inserted and before any dispensing action occurs. The cam track and pin mechanism ensures that sealing engagement happens first during the insertion process, preventing fluid loss before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism (the cam track and pin system) that mediates between the user's insertion action and the sealing connection. This intermediary translates the linear insertion motion into rotational screwing motion, ensuring proper engagement and sealing without requiring the user to manually twist the cartridge.
2Reliability
If a screwing mechanism is used to create a watertight seal between the refill cartridge and the case, then perfect sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the cam track and pin mechanism, which automatically converts the user's simple linear insertion motion into the complex rotational screwing motion required for sealing. The system serves itself by generating the necessary twisting action without requiring the user to manually perform the complex sealing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the motion parameters from linear (insertion) to rotational (screwing) through the cam mechanism. This change in motion type enables the sealing function while keeping the user interface simple, as the user only needs to perform linear insertion.
3Ease of operation
If a rotating actuating ring is used to drive the refill cartridge to rotate within the case for screwing, then the refilling operation becomes intuitive and ergonomic, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the rotating actuating ring: it serves as both the user grip interface and the drive mechanism for rotation. The ring combines the functions of a handle, a gear, and a sealing actuator, reducing the number of separate components while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating actuating ring is a universal component that performs multiple functions: providing user grip, transmitting rotational motion, driving the screwing action, and potentially serving as a locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the enhanced operational capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid product dispenser comprising: - a case (E) provided with a dispensing head (11), and - a refill cartridge (C) comprising a reservoir of fluid product (R), wherein the refill cartridge (C) can be axially inserted into the case (E) so as to connect the fluid product reservoir (R) to the dispensing head (11), characterised in that the refill cartridge (C) and the case (E) are provided with connection means (17, 253) by screwing of the refill cartridge (C) into the case (E) in order to bring the fluid product reservoir (R) into sealed contact with the dispensing head (11), the movement, after screwing of the refill cartridge (C) into the case (E), towards the dispensing head (11), supplying fluid product to the dispensing had (11).