Foam Dispenser Refill Pump with Nested Piston-Sleeve Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam dispenser systems require significant space for pumping and foaming apparatus, limiting available space for liquid storage and consuming excessive energy, while also lacking efficient mechanisms for dispensing foam.
Innovation Solution
The development of disposable refill units with a pump mechanism that includes a liquid chamber, a sleeve, and a piston system allowing for the efficient mixing of liquid and air to create foam, which reduces the overall size of the dispenser and minimizes energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional pumping and foaming apparatus are used, then foam dispensing function is achieved, but the space occupied by the apparatus is large
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is positioned within the liquid chamber, and the sleeve is positioned within the liquid chamber surrounding the piston. This nested arrangement allows the pumping mechanism to be compact while maintaining full foam dispensing functionality, resolving the contradiction between compact volume and effective productivity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional pumping apparatus is used, then liquid pumping is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic piston system where compressed air or pressure differential drives the piston to pump liquid. This pneumatic approach is more energy-efficient than traditional electric motors while maintaining effective liquid pumping productivity through the sealed liquid chamber and controlled passages.
3Volume of moving object
If compact pump design is used, then space is reduced, but sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealed liquid chamber with flexible sealing arrangements between the piston and liquid chamber walls, and between the sleeve and liquid chamber. These flexible seals maintain effectiveness in the compact nested design by conforming to pressure changes and maintaining contact without requiring large clearance spaces.
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 compact foam dispenser design that maximizes storage space and reduces energy usage while effectively producing a rich foam by optimizing the pump mechanism within the refill unit.
Implementation Method 1
a piston configured to move reciprocally within the sleeve to increase and decrease the volume of the liquid chamber
Implementation Method 2
The pump also includes a piston body having a head and a sealing member located at a first end of the piston. The sealing member forms a seal against the interior wall of the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
Disposable refill units, and pumps for disposable refill units for foam dispensers are disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments include a container for holding a foamable liquid and a pump secured to the container. The pump includes a liquid chamber formed between a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. In addition, the pump includes a sleeve that is located at least partially within the liquid chamber. One or more liquid passages are defined at least in part by an area located between an exterior wall of the sleeve and a wall of the liquid chamber. The pump also includes a piston body having a head and a sealing member located at a first end of the piston. The sealing member forms a seal against the interior wall of the sleeve and the piston head moves within the sleeve to reduce and enlarge the volume of the liquid chamber.