Foam Dispenser Outlet Geometry for Shaped Foam Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam dispensing containers struggle to create finely-profiled foam objects with intended shapes, as they either produce simple spherical lumps or struggle to replicate complex geometries like characters, due to limitations in outlet design and geometry.
Innovation Solution
A foam dispensing container with a nozzle having an outlet with a contiguous geometry narrowed to match the intended shape, allowing for precise dispensing and shaping of foam into desired forms through a combination of linear and widely-opened parts, enabling the creation of complex shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If circular outlets are used in foam dispensing containers, then foam can be dispensed easily, but the foam objects can only have simple shapes like spherical lumps
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is divided into multiple discrete openings arranged in a specific pattern rather than a single circular outlet. This segmentation allows different portions of foam to be dispensed in controlled positions, enabling the formation of complex shapes while maintaining ease of operation through the same basic dispensing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the outlet have different characteristics - the outlet consists of multiple openings with specific diameters arranged in particular positions. This local variation in outlet structure allows different areas to contribute differently to the final foam shape, enabling complex geometries while keeping the overall dispensing process simple
2Shape
If multiple discrete outlets are arranged to build foam objects, then character-shaped foam can be created, but fine profiling and precise shape control are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet parameters are precisely controlled - the number of openings, their diameters, and their positions are all specifically defined. By changing these parameters, the foam object shape can be precisely controlled. For example, the outlet may have 3-7 openings with diameters of 0.5-2.0mm arranged in specific patterns to achieve different character shapes with fine detail
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical shaping mechanisms with a simplified outlet structure that inherently forms the desired shape through its geometry. Instead of using movable parts or complex assembly mechanisms to shape foam, the fixed outlet pattern itself dictates the foam object shape, achieving high precision without mechanical complexity
3Productivity
If aerosol pressurizing gas is used to jet liquid agent, then foam can be produced quickly, but the foam objects have spaghetti-like geometry rather than character shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The single jet stream from aerosol dispensing is segmented into multiple discrete foam streams through the multiple openings in the outlet. Each opening produces its own foam stream that maintains the speed advantage of aerosol dispensing while the collective arrangement of these segmented streams forms character shapes instead of spaghetti-like geometry
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
Enables the reproducible and accurate formation of foam objects with intended shapes, such as characters or symbols, by controlling the geometry of the outlet to direct foam swelling and dispensing, overcoming previous limitations in shape complexity and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a container body that reserves a liquid agent; a head part that has an outlet, and dispenses the liquid agent delivered from the container body through the outlet into foam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A foam dispensing container (100) has a container body (40) that reserves a liquid agent (L) ; a head part (30) that has an outlet (20), and dispenses the liquid agent (L) delivered from the container body (40) through the outlet (20) into foam; and a pump head part (32) that allows dispensing of a predetermined amount of the foamy liquid agent (foam) through the outlet (20) each time it accepts a user's operation. The outlet (20) is formed with a contiguous geometry narrowed from an intended shape. A foam, dispensed through the outlet (20) as a result of a single or multiple oprations of the pump head part (32), is built up into the intended shape in a plan view seen in the dispensing direction.