Foam Pump Flexible Coupling for Easy Refill Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam product dispensers face difficulties in easy installation of refill units due to complex engagement mechanisms and high force transfer, leading to improper alignment and foam shearing issues.
Innovation Solution
A refill unit with a flexible connecting member and locking sleeve is designed to facilitate easy installation and prevent unwanted actuation, featuring a flexible tip or extensions that deform to fit within the dispenser's actuating carriage and a locking mechanism to prevent unintended actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid engagement mechanism is used to connect the pump to the actuating carriage, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the installation becomes difficult and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible connecting member with a resilient tip that can deform during insertion and then return to its original shape to engage with the actuating carriage. This flexible component maintains reliable connection while accommodating misalignment during installation, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member changes its physical state from a deformed condition during insertion to a recovered condition during operation. The resilient tip is intentionally designed to be flexible during installation but rigid enough during pump operation to transmit actuating forces reliably, utilizing parameter changes to resolve the contradiction.
2Power
If high force is transferred from the actuating mechanism to the pump, then the pump actuation is effective, but foam shearing occurs resulting in poor quality foam
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connecting member acts as a cushioning element between the actuating mechanism and the pump. It absorbs and dampens excessive force before it reaches the pump, preventing foam shearing while still transmitting sufficient force for effective pump actuation. This beforehand cushioning resolves the contradiction between effective actuation and foam quality protection.
3Ease of operation
If the pump is freely accessible during shipping and installation, then handling is easy, but unwanted actuation can occur causing product loss
Solution Approach 1:
A locking sleeve is provided that preliminarily prevents unwanted actuation during shipping and installation. The locking mechanism is designed to be easily removed or disengaged when intentional actuation is desired, maintaining ease of handling while preventing accidental product loss through preliminary protective action.
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 simplifies the installation process, reduces foam shearing by dampening force transfer, and ensures proper alignment and secure engagement of the refill unit, enhancing the quality of dispensed foam.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible connecting member may be provided in the form of a flared tip extending from the pump
Implementation Method 2
The high force applied to the actuating mechanism of the dispenser is transferred to the pump, resulting in shearing of the foam product
Data Source
AI summary
A foam pump having a flexible member for engagement with a dispenser, the pump being part of a refill unit including a product reservoir. The flexible connecting member extends from an extreme end of the pump and is received by an actuating carriage that is movably connected to an actuating mechanism. The flexible connecting member permits insertion of the pump into a dispenser, and may act to dampen actuating forces to reduce foam shearing. The flexible connecting member may be provided in the form of a flared tip that is received through an oval opening in the product dispenser, and the pump may include a locking member to prevent unwanted actuation thereof during insertion of the refill unit into the dispenser.