Foam Pump Restrictor Mechanism for Adjustable Lost Motion Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam pumps in liquid dispenser systems typically have a constant volume output, requiring a change in pump or 'short stroking' to adjust the volume, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a liquid dispenser system with a connector and restrictor mechanism that allows for adjustable 'lost motion' between the actuator and pistons, enabling variable foam output by controlling the stroke length and motion of the pistons, allowing for partial or full dose dispensing based on the restrictor's size and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a constant volume output pump is used, then the pump structure is simple, but the adaptability to different dosage requirements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a movable restrictor that can be positioned at different locations along the connector's path. This allows the pump to dynamically adjust its effective stroke length and output volume without changing the basic pump structure. The restrictor's position determines how much of the connector's movement is transmitted to the piston, enabling variable dosage delivery from a single constant-volume pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the restrictor's position to change the effective stroke length parameter. By moving the restrictor to different positions, the system changes the mechanical parameter of piston displacement distance, thereby adjusting the output volume. This allows a single pump to provide multiple dosage levels by simply changing the restrictor position rather than replacing the entire pump.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pump replacement is required to change volume output, then the output volume can be changed, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamically adjustable restrictor that can be quickly repositioned along the connector to change dosage output. This dynamic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for pump replacement, allowing users to switch between different volume outputs by simply moving the restrictor to a new position, greatly improving operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor acts as a mechanical intermediary that copies or replicates the effect of having multiple pumps with different stroke lengths. By positioning the restrictor at different locations, the system creates a simplified copy of what would otherwise require physically replacing the pump assembly, achieving the same functional result with much greater ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator stroke is greater than the piston stroke, then lost motion occurs, but this can be used to achieve partial dose dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of lost motion (inefficient energy transfer) into a beneficial feature for dosage control. By intentionally designing the restrictor to create a controlled amount of lost motion, the system transforms what would be wasted movement into a useful mechanism for achieving partial dose dispensing. The lost motion distance becomes a controllable parameter for adjusting output volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor serves as an intermediary element between the actuator and piston that deliberately introduces controlled lost motion. This intermediary component mediates the relationship between the full actuator stroke and the reduced piston stroke, allowing the system to achieve partial dose dispensing by absorbing excess movement in the restrictor rather than transmitting it fully to the piston.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses liquid dispensers, refill units for liquid dispensers, liquid pumps, lost motion devices, and methods for installing a refill unit and lost motion device. In certain embodiments, a liquid dispenser of the present application comprises a container for holding a liquid, a pump housing connected to the container, a liquid or air chamber, and a piston movable in the liquid or air chamber. A connector is linked to the piston. The connector has a flexible portion for connecting to the piston and an attachment portion for attaching to an actuator of the dispenser. A restrictor is positioned between the flexible portion of the connector and the piston. Movement of the connector a first distance in a first direction results in lost motion between the actuator and the piston and continued movement of the connector a second distance in the first direction moves the piston with the actuator.