Fluid Dispenser Variable Stroke Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid dispensers typically dispense a constant full dose of fluid product each time the actuating rod is actuated, lacking the ability to vary the quantity of fluid dispensed.

Innovation Solution

A fluid dispenser design that includes a rotating ring with axially offset support zones, allowing for selective variation of the actuating rod's stroke by positioning the support paths above the rod, enabling the dispensing of incomplete doses through the use of a pusher that can drive the rod more or less deeply, and featuring locking means to prevent force transmission between the pusher and actuating rod at rest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional pump or valve with a fixed-stroke actuating rod is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the quantity of fluid product dispensed cannot be varied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to vary dispensed fluid quantityVSAvoidcomplexity of stroke variation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating rod stroke is made variable through a mobile support path (rotating ring with selectable zones) that can be positioned at different axial locations. This allows the rod to travel different distances during actuation, enabling variable fluid dispensing quantities while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the stroke parameter of the actuating rod by providing multiple axially offset support zones on the mobile support path. By selecting different support zones, the effective stroke length is adjusted, thereby controlling the quantity of fluid product dispensed without requiring completely different mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the actuating rod is moved over its entire stroke, then a constant full dose is dispensed, but the ability to dispense partial doses is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to dispense partial dosesVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile support path allows dynamic adjustment of the actuating rod's effective stroke length. Users can select from multiple pre-defined stroke lengths corresponding to different support zones, enabling partial dose dispensing while maintaining simple push-button operation without requiring complex controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If locking means are added to prevent force transmission at rest, then the dispenser maintains stable rest position, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable rest position maintenanceVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means automatically engage to prevent force transmission between the pusher and actuating rod when the system is at rest, without requiring external control or complex mechanisms. The locking action occurs self-service through the inherent mechanical arrangement, ensuring stable rest position while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2102077B1Fluid product dispenser
Publication Date: 2011.02.09 VALOIS SA(FR)
  • EP2102077B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2102077B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3
  • EP2102077B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

A fluid product dispenser comprising : at least one fluid product tank (1a, 1b) with an opening (11a, 11b) ; at least one fluid product dispensing member (3a, 3b) such as a pump or a valve comprising a body (31a, 31b) rigidly mounted on the tank opening and an actuation rod (32a, 32b) axially displaceable in a reciprocating manner along an X axis on a given stroke; a pusher (9) axially displaceable in a reciprocating manner along an axially displaceable in a reciprocating manner along an X axis for driving said and at least one actuation rod (32a, 32b) capable of axial displacement; characterised in that it further comprises means for modifying the stroke (8) of the actuation rod, provided between the pusher (9) and said and at least one actuation rod (32a, 32b) for modifying the stroke of the rod.