Foamer Dispenser Head Structure for Clean Air Intake Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foamer dispensers allow foreign matter like water to enter the cylinder for air, require tight attachment of the exterior cylindrical portion to prevent removal due to shocks, and struggle with oblique depressing, which destabilizes the positional relationship between the exterior cylindrical portion and the head main unit.

Innovation Solution

The foamer dispenser incorporates intake holes in the exterior cylindrical portion to prevent foreign matter intrusion, uses lock portions and support plate portions for secure attachment, and employs guide ribs to stabilize the exterior cylindrical portion's position and restrict oblique depressing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If air is sucked into the exterior cylindrical portion through the cylinder-cylinder gap, then the cylinder for air can be filled with air, but foreign matter such as water may intrude into the cylinder for air

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair quantity in cylinderVSAvoidforeign matter intrusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A filter member is introduced as an intermediary component between the cylinder-cylinder gap and the cylinder for air. This filter member allows air to pass through while blocking foreign matter such as water, thus resolving the contradiction between needing air intake and preventing contamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter member is selectively positioned only at the air intake path through the cylinder-cylinder gap, providing localized filtration where needed without affecting other parts of the system. This allows air to be drawn in while preventing foreign matter intrusion at the critical interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the exterior cylindrical portion is tightly attached to the head main unit, then the exterior cylindrical portion is prevented from being removed due to shocks, but the positional relationship becomes unstable during oblique depressing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidpositional relationship stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structure is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing the exterior cylindrical portion to move slightly relative to the head main unit during oblique depressing. This dynamic capability maintains the positional relationship stability while still preventing complete removal due to shocks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is segmented into multiple functional elements including a locking mechanism for preventing removal and guiding surfaces for maintaining positional relationship. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and positional stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the depressing head is depressed in an oblique direction, then the user can operate the device with varying hand positions, but the positional relationship between the exterior cylindrical portion and the head main unit becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepressing direction flexibilityVSAvoidpositional relationship stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding surfaces between the exterior cylindrical portion and the head main unit are designed to allow controlled movement in oblique directions while maintaining stable positional relationship. The dynamic interaction between these surfaces enables versatile operation without compromising structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively inhibits foreign matter intrusion, ensures secure attachment of the exterior cylindrical portion, and stabilizes the positional relationship, enhancing the operational stability and usability of the foamer dispenser.

Implementation Method 1

a receding section is formed that recedes inwardly in the radial direction at an opening circumferential edge of the intake hole in an outer circumferential surface of the exterior cylindrical portion, the receding section being in communication with the intake hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier effect: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

employes guide ribs to stabilize the exterior cylindrical portion's position and restrict oblique depressing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical guidance: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

uses lock portions and support plate portions for secure attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3023352B1Foamer dispenser
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO LTD
  • EP3023352B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3023352B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3023352B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a foamer dispenser (10), a depressing head (15) includes: a head main unit (41) with a top wall portion (43) arranged above the stem and with an attachment cylindrical portion (44) that extends downwardly from the top wall portion (43) and is attached to the stem; and an exterior cylindrical portion (42) that is provided beneath the top wall portion (43) and surrounds the attachment cylindrical portion (44) and the guide cylindrical portion (17) from an outer side in a radial direction. An inside of the exterior cylindrical portion (42) is communicable with an inside of the cylinder for air through an inside of the guide cylindrical portion. The head main unit (41) and the exterior cylindrical portion (42) are formed as separate entities and are fitted to each other. In an upper end portion of the exterior cylindrical portion (42), intake holes (51a, 51b) are formed that penetrate through the exterior cylindrical portion (42) in a radial direction and open toward an upward direction.