Foam Pump Venting for Non-Collapsing Refill Container Re-Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispenser systems, particularly air-vented dispensers, face challenges in re-priming after dispensing and are not easily rechargeable or cost-effective for production.
Innovation Solution
A refill unit with a non-collapsing container and a foam pump featuring a compressible air chamber, air passage, and a moveable valve that regulates air flow to equalize pressure, allowing for easy recharging and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid container is used in a liquid dispenser system, then the container maintains structural integrity and does not collapse, but the container cannot easily equalize pressure after dispensing action
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid container is segmented by introducing an air vent passage that divides the internal space into liquid storage area and air communication path, allowing pressure equalization without compromising container structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
An air vent passage acts as an intermediary element between the rigid container interior and exterior atmosphere, enabling pressure equalization while maintaining the rigidity and structural strength of the container walls
2Reliability
If a foam pump with compressible air chamber is used, then the pump can re-prime itself after dispensing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air chamber is merged with the pump mechanism itself rather than being a separate component, allowing the pump to utilize its own internal air chamber for priming functionality without adding external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible air chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as both the pumping medium chamber and the pressure equalization mechanism, enabling self-priming while simplifying the overall device structure
3Reliability
If a vent passage is added to the rigid container, then pressure equalization is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent passage is integrated into the existing container structure to serve multiple purposes: pressure equalization, air supply to the foam pump, and structural support, thereby avoiding additional manufacturing steps and costs
Solution Approach 2:
The air vent passage is nested within the container wall structure or integrated with the pump housing, allowing the venting function to be incorporated without adding external components or increasing manufacturing complexity
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 enables a simple and economical refill unit that maintains dispenser functionality, allowing for efficient re-priming and cost-effective production while ensuring the dispenser remains operational after liquid depletion.
Implementation Method 1
a foam pump with a vent to vent said container... a means for venting air into the top of the rigid container whereby the venting means is adapted to equalize the pressure in the interior of the rigid container
Implementation Method 2
a second position that allows vacuum pressure in the interior of the container to draw air from the interior of the compressible air chamber to the interior of the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
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.