Hinged Lock Device for Pump Dispenser Shaft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pump-style bottle dispensers often inadvertently activate during travel due to the disabling of built-in locks, resulting in the dispensing of contents into travel bags.
Innovation Solution
A lock device comprising first and second body segments with semi-circular indentations, connected by a hinge, which encircles the pump mechanism's shaft to prevent vertical movement and inadvertent activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a built-in twist lock is used in the pump dispenser, then the pump can be locked to prevent dispensing, but the lock becomes disabled during travel due to bag movement
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device is divided into two separate body segments that can independently encircle the pump shaft. This segmentation allows the lock to adapt to different pump positions and movements during travel, maintaining reliability without requiring precise alignment like a single rigid lock mechanism would need.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock device incorporates a hinge joint that allows the body segments to dynamically adjust their relative positions. This dynamic capability enables the lock to accommodate bag movement and pump displacement during travel, preventing the lock from becoming disabled while maintaining its restraining function.
2Strength
If a rigid lock structure is used, then the lock can provide strong restraining force, but it cannot adapt to different pump positions and movements
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint provides dynamic adaptability while the compression fitting maintains strong restraining force. The flexible connection allows the lock to adjust to different pump positions and movements, yet the compression mechanism ensures sufficient restraining force is applied to prevent inadvertent dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock device changes its geometric parameters (relative position of body segments) through the hinge joint to adapt to different pump positions, while maintaining the critical parameter of restraining force through the compression fitting mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the lock device is made as a single piece, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide adjustable height for different sized pumps
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the lock device into two body segments connected by a hinge creates a simple yet versatile structure. The segmented design naturally provides height adjustability through the hinge joint's range of motion, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Strength
If the body segments are held together by rigid connectors, then the connection is strong, but it prevents vertical stacking for height customization
Solution Approach 1:
The compression fitting uses a flexible sealing mechanism that maintains strong connection through compression force while allowing vertical stacking. The flexible nature of the compression fit enables multiple devices to be stacked at different heights, providing customization while maintaining connection strength.
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
Effectively prevents the pump mechanism from inadvertently dispensing contents by securely encircling the shaft and maintaining a closed position through compression fitting and magnetic connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second segments can also include connectors such as magnetic elements for securing the segments together.
Implementation Method 2
a lip and indentation are formed along the first and second body segments, respectively. The lip and indentation forming a compression fitting when in the closed position for preventing inadvertent separation of the body segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock device for pump-style bottle dispensers includes first and second body segments each having an inside facing wall with a semi-circular indentation. The first and second body segments are connected together by a hinge to transition between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the shaft of a pump mechanism is positionable between the semi-circular indentations. In the closed position the shaft is encircled by the semi-circular indentations. A lip and indentation are formed along the first and second body segments, respectively and form a compression fitting when in the closed position. Magnetic elements are positioned in the first and second body segments to securing the segments in the closed position. Multiple lock devices are vertically stackable via a plurality of holes positioned along the top surface of the body segments and complementary pegs located along the bottom surface of the body segments.