Integrated Foam Dispenser Pump for Compact Refill Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam dispenser systems are inefficient in terms of space usage and energy consumption, as they require larger housings to accommodate both liquid and air pumping mechanisms, and there is a need for more compact and energy-efficient solutions to maximize available space and minimize operational energy.
Innovation Solution
The development of disposable refill units with a pump mechanism that includes a liquid chamber, a sleeve, and a piston system allowing for the movement of liquid and air to create a foamy mixture, which reduces the overall size of the dispenser and lowers energy requirements through a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional separate liquid and air pumping mechanisms are used, then reliable foam dispensing is achieved, but device size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid pump and air compressor into a single integrated pump assembly where a single piston alternately compresses liquid and air within the same chamber. This merging of functions reduces the overall device size while maintaining reliable foam dispensing through the unified mechanical action of the shared piston mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single piston in the pump assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a liquid pump piston and an air compressor piston depending on its position and the phase of operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pumping mechanisms, reducing device volume while preserving foam dispensing reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If separate liquid and air pumping mechanisms are used, then adequate foam generation is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the liquid pump and air compressor into a single integrated system with a shared piston and chamber, the patent reduces the total energy required for operation. The unified mechanism eliminates redundant mechanical components and reduces overall system mass, leading to lower energy consumption while maintaining adequate foam generation through efficient alternation between liquid and air compression.
3Area of stationary object
If larger housing is used to accommodate both pumping mechanisms, then reliable operation is achieved, but available storage space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid pump and air compressor into a single compact assembly, significantly reducing the housing area required. This space savings is then allocated to increase the liquid storage capacity, allowing more foamable liquid to be stored in the dispenser while maintaining reliable operation through the integrated pump design.
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 solution enables a more compact foam dispenser design that maximizes storage space while reducing energy consumption, allowing for efficient dispensing of foamable liquids with minimal operational energy.
Implementation Method 1
The pump includes a piston configured to move reciprocally within the sleeve to increase and decrease the volume of the liquid chamber
Implementation Method 2
Movement of the piston in a reciprocating fashion moves liquid and air
Implementation Method 3
The pump includes a sealing member located at a first end of the piston. The sealing member forms a seal against the interior wall of the sleeve
Implementation Method 4
One or more liquid passages are defined at least in part by an area located between an exterior wall of the sleeve and a wall of the liquid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Disposable refill units, and pumps for disposable refill units for foam dispensers are disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments include a container for holding a foamable liquid and a pump secured to the container. The pump includes a liquid chamber formed between a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. In addition, the pump includes a sleeve that is located at least partially within the liquid chamber. One or more liquid passages are defined at least in part by an area located between an exterior wall of the sleeve and a wall of the liquid chamber. The pump also includes a piston body having a head and a sealing member located at a first end of the piston. The sealing member forms a seal against the interior wall of the sleeve and the piston head moves within the sleeve to reduce and enlarge the volume of the liquid chamber.