Airless Pump Dispenser Stability via Inverted Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Airless pump dispensers for viscous materials become unstable due to a shifting center of gravity as they are used, leading to a higher risk of falling, especially when used for personal care products with regular cylindrical shapes.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser system with an elongated container and a standing cap that has a supporting structure with a larger projected area than the container's cross-sectional area, allowing the dispenser to stand stably with the closed proximal end on top, thus lowering the gravity center and providing additional stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an airless pump dispenser uses a regular cylindrical container with the outlet upwards, then the dispensing function is achieved, but the center of gravity shifts upwards during use causing instability and increased falling risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of dispenserVSAvoidcenter of gravity position

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional orientation by positioning the closed proximal end of the container on top and the supporting structure at the bottom. This inversion causes the center of gravity to shift downward during use, improving stability and preventing the dispenser from falling over.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a supporting structure with a projected area larger than the container's cross-sectional area, adding dimensional stability to the base. This creates a wider support footprint that prevents tipping, transforming the stability problem from a vertical center-of-gravity issue to a dimensional base-area solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the outlet is positioned upwards for dispensing, then the dispensing mechanism works, but the open end is exposed to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing operationVSAvoidcontamination of open end

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the container orientation with the closed end on top and the supporting structure at the bottom, the open distal end where dispensing occurs is positioned away from the top, reducing exposure to airborne contamination while maintaining dispensing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12053788B2Pump dispenser system

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A dispenser system for dispensing a fluid product comprises: an elongated container containing the fluid product to be dispensed, a pump assembly coupled with the elongate container from the distal end, a piston which is slidably positioned in the container at the closed proximal end and contacting with the fluid product, and a standing cap. The standing cap has an opening for engaging the pump assembly, and has a supporting structure opposite to the opening, wherein the supporting structure comprises one or more supporting sections that define a supporting plane, wherein the dispenser system, when in a main standing position, stands upon the supporting structure of the standing cap, with the closed proximal end of the elongated container is on the topmost. Further the supporting structure of the standing cap has a projected area on the supporting plane which is larger than the largest cross-sectional area of the elongated container.