Foam Pump Venting for Non-Collapsing Container Re-Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispenser systems face challenges in re-priming after dispensing and are not easily rechargeable or cost-effective, particularly in maintaining a rigid, air-vented container that allows for efficient refilling.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a refill unit with a non-collapsing container and a foam pump featuring a compressible air chamber, air passage, and a regulating valve that allows air to flow into the container to maintain pressure and create a vacuum for re-priming, along with a wiper seal and additional seals to ensure efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid container is used in liquid dispenser systems, then the container maintains its shape and structure, but the pump cannot re-prime itself after dispensing action
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into a rigid container and a separate collapsible bladder positioned inside it. The bladder can collapse and expand independently to facilitate pump re-priming, while the rigid container maintains its structural stability and shape.
Solution Approach 2:
A collapsible bladder is introduced as an intermediary element between the rigid container and the pump mechanism. The bladder acts as a mediator that transmits pressure changes to enable pump re-priming without compromising the rigid container's structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a collapsible container is used to enable pump re-priming, then the pump can re-prime itself, but the container collapses and becomes difficult to refill
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into an outer rigid container that remains structurally intact for easy refilling, and an inner collapsible bladder that performs the re-priming function. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible bladder is nested inside the rigid container. This nested configuration allows the bladder to collapse and expand for pump re-priming while the rigid outer container maintains its shape and provides a stable structure for refilling operations.
3Reliability
If a venting mechanism is added to allow air flow, then the pump can re-prime, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible bladder automatically performs the venting function through its own collapse and expansion movements during pump operation. The system is self-regulating, using the pump's own operation to drive the bladder's motion, which in turn creates the necessary pressure differentials for re-priming without additional complex control mechanisms.
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 enables a simple, economical, and efficient refill system that maintains dispenser functionality by allowing air to vent and re-prime the pump, ensuring continuous operation and easy refilling of liquid dispenser systems.
Implementation Method 1
a foam pump featuring a compressible air chamber, air passage, and a regulating valve that allows air to flow into the container to maintain pressure and create a vacuum for re-priming
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of refill units having foam pumps and non-collapsing containers are disclosed herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the refill unit includes a non-collapsing container and a foam pump. The foam pump includes a compressible air chamber. The foam pump includes a passage between the interior of the compressible air chamber and the interior of the container. A regulating valve regulates flow of air from the interior of the compressible air chamber to the interior of the container.