Foaming soap pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for foamed soap require manual foaming, which is time-consuming and inefficient, often leading to wastage and reduced cleaning efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A foaming soap pump with a fluid storage unit, a pumping assembly featuring a diaphragm that alternates between convex and concave states to draw and expel liquid soap, and a dispensing assembly that converts the liquid soap into foamed soap using screens and an anti-drip nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual foaming is required after dispensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and user convenience deteriorate due to time-consuming manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dispensing function and foaming function into a single integrated device. The pump assembly dispenses liquid soap while the foaming assembly simultaneously converts it to foamed soap, eliminating the need for separate manual foaming operations and achieving both functions in one automated unit
Solution Approach 2:
The foaming assembly is positioned to receive liquid soap directly from the pump and convert it to foamed soap before discharge. This preliminary conversion action ensures that the soap is already foamed when delivered to the user, eliminating the need for post-dispensing manual foaming
2Device complexity
If manual foaming is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to manual foaming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The foaming conversion is performed preliminarily within the device before the soap reaches the user. The foaming assembly processes the liquid soap into foamed soap in advance, eliminating the time-consuming manual foaming step that would otherwise be required after dispensing
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly and foaming assembly operate continuously and simultaneously. As the pump dispenses liquid soap, the foaming assembly continuously converts it to foamed soap, maintaining an uninterrupted flow of foamed soap to the user without requiring pauses for manual foaming
3Device complexity
If manual foaming is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of substance increases due to wastage from improper manual foaming
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the foaming function automatically through the foaming assembly, which self-regulates the conversion of liquid soap to foamed soap. This eliminates the need for user intervention and prevents wastage caused by improper manual foaming techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows the pump assembly and foaming assembly to work in coordination, with the foaming assembly receiving a controlled flow of liquid soap and producing a consistent output of foamed soap. This controlled process prevents over-foaming or spillage that commonly occurs with manual foaming
4Device complexity
If manual foaming is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning efficacy deteriorates due to reduced cleaning performance from improper manual foaming
Solution Approach 1:
The foaming assembly automatically performs the foaming function with consistent, controlled parameters. This ensures that the soap is properly foamed to achieve optimal cleaning performance every time, eliminating the variability and inconsistency of manual foaming that leads to reduced cleaning efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The soap is converted to properly foamed soap in advance by the foaming assembly before reaching the user. This preliminary proper foaming ensures that the cleaning-effective foamed soap structure is already formed, guaranteeing reliable cleaning performance without depending on user skill
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 device efficiently dispenses foamed soap with reduced wastage and improved cleaning efficacy by automating the foaming process, ensuring consistent soap delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm is actuatable between a first state and a second state. The volume of the compartment is greater in the first state than in the second state. When the actuation member disengages from the diaphragm, the diaphragm moves from the second state to the first state, thereby increasing the volume in the compartment and drawing liquid soap into the compartment. When the actuation member engages the diaphragm, the diaphragm moves from the first state to the second state, thereby decreasing the volume in the compartment and expelling liquid soap from the compartment.
Implementation Method 2
mixing the liquid soap with air to form aerated soap; converting the aerated soap into foamed soap
Data Source
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AI summary
Various dispensing devices, such as foaming soap pumps, are disclosed. The soap pump can include a fluid storage unit and a fluid handling unit. The fluid storage unit can include a reservoir that is configured to hold a quantity of product, such as liquid soap. The fluid handling unit can include a pumping assembly and dispensing assembly. The soap pump can be configured to withdraw liquid soap from the reservoir, convert the liquid soap to foamed soap, and dispense the foamed soap from the discharge assembly.