Fluid Dispensing Head Axial Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid dispenser heads do not effectively block the pusher's axial movement when the cover is not in the withdrawn position and fail to maintain the angular position of the nozzle, leading to potential untimely dispensing and the need to search for the nozzle after cover removal.

Innovation Solution

The pusher is locked in rotation on the fixed mounting part, with the movable cover locked in rotation on the pusher, and the actuating ring is rotatably mounted on the fixed mounting part, utilizing a double-walled actuating ring with a helical path to guide the movable cover and prevent axial movement of the pusher until the cover is retracted, ensuring the nozzle is masked in the extended position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the movable cover is used to block the nozzle, then the nozzle is hidden when the cover is extended, but the pusher can still move axially causing unintended dispensing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle maskingVSAvoiduntimely dispensing prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing head is divided into functionally independent components: the movable cover handles nozzle masking, while the pusher with its dedicated locking mechanism handles axial movement control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed mounting part acts as an intermediary element that provides the locking structure for the pusher. The locking protrusion on the pusher engages with the locking surface on the fixed mounting part, creating a reliable mechanical interlock that prevents axial movement independently of the movable cover position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the plunger is allowed to move freely, then the dispenser is easy to operate, but the nozzle angular position cannot be maintained requiring search after cover removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispenser operationVSAvoidnozzle angular position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is pre-positioned at a specific angular orientation relative to the dispensing head structure. The fixed mounting part and pusher assembly maintain this predetermined angular position, so when the movable cover is removed, the nozzle is already in the correct position without requiring user search or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a side spout is used on the plunger, then dispensing can occur, but the plunger cannot be locked in axial position and rotation is not prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing functionVSAvoidaxial position locking
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing function is separated from the positioning function. The plunger with side spout handles fluid dispensing, while the pusher assembly with locking protrusion handles axial position locking. This segmentation allows both functions to perform reliably without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is extracted from the plunger and implemented in the pusher assembly. The locking protrusion on the pusher engages with the fixed mounting part to prevent axial movement, while the plunger remains free to perform its dispensing function through the side spout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3768436B1Dispensing head for a fluid
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP3768436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3768436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3768436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispensing head, which comprises: - a stationary mounting part (1), - a push member (2), - an actuating ring (3), and - a mobile cover (4) that moves axially around the push member (2) between an extended position in which the mobile cover (4) conceals the push member (2) and a retracted position in which the push member (2) is exposed, the rotation of the actuating ring (3) driving the axial movement of the mobile cover (4), characterised in that: - the push member (2) is rotatably blocked on the stationary mounting part (1), - the mobile cover (4) is rotatably blocked on the push member (1), and - the actuating ring (3) is rotatably mounted on the stationary mounting part (1).