Fluid dispenser with one-use pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers with replaceable pump assemblies face the issue of users attempting to reuse the pump assembly, increasing the risk of contamination, as the existing designs do not effectively prevent reuse.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser with a locking member integrated into the pump assembly that engages internally with the reservoir to prevent extraction of the dip tube, ensuring the pump assembly cannot be reused by uncoupling when a specific force threshold is exceeded, and the pump becomes inoperative upon detachment, preventing refilling or reinsertion of the dip tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pump assembly is designed to be replaceable for preventing contamination, then hygiene is improved, but users can still reuse the pump assembly increasing contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed as a disposable component that is intended to be replaced after a single use. The locking member permanently prevents reattachment to the reservoir, ensuring the pump assembly cannot be reused even if users attempt to do so. This resolves the contradiction by making the pump assembly truly single-use while maintaining ease of initial attachment.
2Reliability
If the locking member prevents extraction of the dip tube, then reuse is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is segmented into multiple resilient fingers that can independently deflect and engage with the reservoir. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to achieve reliable anti-reuse capability through a relatively simple structure, where each finger acts as an independent locking element that engages with corresponding features on the reservoir.
3Strength
If the pump and tube are configured to uncouple under force, then the locking member is protected, but the pump cannot be separated from the tube for proper refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The dip tube is extracted from the pump assembly when excessive force is applied during attempted reuse. The tube remains in the reservoir while the pump is separated, rendering the pump inoperative. This extraction mechanism protects the locking member from damage while preventing refilling, as the pump without its dedicated tube cannot be properly refilled.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid dispenser is disclosed, including a reservoir containing fluid to be dispensed; a replaceable pump assembly comprising a pump and a dip tube removably coupled together; and a locking member coupled to the dip tube. While in a pumping configuration, with the dip tube inserted into the reservoir, the pump is operable to draw the fluid from the reservoir through the dip tube and dispense the fluid from a pump outlet. The locking member is configured to engage with the reservoir to prevent the dip tube from being extracted from the reservoir. If a sufficient force is applied attempting to move the pump away from the dip tube, with the dip tube locked within the reservoir, the pump and the dip tube are configured to separate and assume an uncoupled condition. The construction prevents the pump assembly from being reused, to reduce the risk of contamination.