Fluidic Dispensing Device Venting via End Cap Gap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluidic dispensing devices lack an effective venting arrangement that restricts options for placing external indicia or components, such as product labeling, without compromising the device's functionality.

Innovation Solution

A fluidic dispensing device with a casing that includes a reservoir chamber, a primary vent chamber, and a diaphragm-based backpressure regulation member, featuring a vent path extending from the primary vent chamber to the atmosphere through a gap between the end cap and the casing, allowing for improved venting and flexibility in component placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vent hole is provided in the backside of the pressure regulating member, then backpressure can be maintained in the reservoir chamber, but options for placing external indicia or components are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackpressure maintenanceVSAvoidplacement flexibility for external indicia or components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The venting function is segmented from the pressure regulating member (diaphragm) and relocated to the end cap. This allows the diaphragm to maintain backpressure without having its backside vented, while the end cap provides the venting function through a separate structure that does not interfere with external component placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end cap acts as an intermediary structure that provides the venting pathway from the primary vent chamber to the atmosphere. This mediator allows the system to maintain backpressure through the diaphragm while providing external access for indicia or components through the end cap's external surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the backside of the pressure regulating member is vented through a vent hole, then atmospheric pressure can be referenced for backpressure control, but the device structure becomes less flexible for external modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackpressure controlVSAvoidstructural flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The venting pathway is moved from a two-dimensional hole in the diaphragm to a three-dimensional pathway through the end cap structure. This dimensional relocation allows the venting function to be achieved without compromising the diaphragm's integrity or restricting external surface availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a diaphragm is used as the regulation member, then backpressure can be effectively controlled, but the diaphragm must be in sealing engagement with the perimetrical end surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackpressure regulationVSAvoidsealing engagement requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap serves as an intermediary structure that provides both the venting pathway and a mounting surface for the diaphragm. This separates the venting function from the sealing function, allowing the diaphragm to focus on backpressure regulation through sealing engagement with the perimetrical end surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhanced venting arrangement maintains controlled backpressure while enabling the placement of external components, ensuring device functionality and flexibility in design, such as accommodating product labeling without obstructing the venting system.

Implementation Method 1

The deformation of the thimble shaped bladder collapses on itself... The regulation member is a diaphragm that is in sealing engagement with a perimetrical end surface to cover the reservoir chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a vent path configured to extend from the primary vent chamber to the atmosphere through a gap between the end cap and the casing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3366478B1Fluidic dispensing device
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 FUNAI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3366478B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3366478B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3366478B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The disclosure provides a fluidic dispensing device (110), having a casing (122, 124) configured to have a reservoir chamber (148) and a primary vent chamber (196); a regulation member (130) configured to be associated with the reservoir chamber (148); an end cap (126) configured to be positioned at an end of the casing (122, 124), and to be connected to the casing (122, 124); and a vent path (202) configured to extend from the primary vent chamber (196) to the atmosphere through a gap (210) between the end cap (126) and the casing (122, 124).