Foam Pump Differential Bore Suck-Back Mechanism to Prevent Dripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam dispensers often experience residual liquid dripping after use, which is undesirable, especially for alcohol-based liquids that are difficult to foam and require enhanced mixing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a differential bore suck-back mechanism within the foam dispenser system, featuring a dual-body piston and flow restrictor, which compresses the suck-back chamber during fluid flow and expands to retract residual foam using a biasing member, preventing dripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foam pump is used to dispense foam by pumping liquid and air mixture through a foam cartridge, then foam generation is achieved, but residual liquid drips from the foam cartridge after dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful residual liquid from the dispensing system by introducing a separate suck-back mechanism that actively removes remaining liquid from the foam cartridge after dispensing, preventing it from dripping out
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a suck-back mechanism as an intermediary component between the foam cartridge and the environment, which mediates the removal of residual liquid through a controlled suction process
2Reliability
If alcohol-based liquids are used for enhanced mixing to create foam, then foam quality improves, but the liquid becomes difficult to foam and requires enhanced mixing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic reciprocating motion of the piston to create alternating compression and expansion phases in the mixing chamber, which enhances mixing efficiency for alcohol-based liquids without requiring complex mechanical mixers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic action by introducing air into the liquid through the reciprocating piston mechanism, creating a liquid-air mixture that achieves effective mixing and foam generation without complex mechanical components
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
This solution significantly reduces post-use dripping by effectively suctioning back residual foam into the chamber, maintaining improved foam quality and preventing liquid from escaping.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member for biasing the dual body piston in an upstream position is also included
Implementation Method 2
when the fluid flow stops, the biasing member causes the suck back chamber to expand and suck back residual foam into the suck back chamber
Implementation Method 3
A flow restrictor located proximate the dual body piston is included. The flow restrictor is configured so that fluid flowing into the suck back device causes the suck back chamber to compress
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system for dispensing foam includes a container holding a foamable liquid, a pump, and a suck-back device. The suck back device has a housing having a small bore with first diameter and a large bore with a second diameter; a dual body piston with a first piston that reciprocates in the small bore and a second piston that reciprocates in the large bore; a flow restrictor located proximate the dual body piston, a suck back chamber formed at least in part by the large bore and the second piston, and a foam outlet. The flow restrictor is configured so that fluid flow into the suck back device causes the suck back chamber to compress and when the fluid flow stops, a biasing member causes the suck back chamber to expand and suck back residual foam into the suck back chamber.