Liquid Refilling System With Detachable Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current perfume refill systems are inconvenient and prone to spilling, requiring partial disassembly of devices, multiple pump activations, and complex manufacturing processes, while also risking damage to the parent actuator and not allowing for efficient refilling of travel-sized child devices.
Innovation Solution
A liquid refill system comprising a child device with a one-way liquid inlet valve and a parent device with a pump and actuator, where the actuator is detachable and has a stroke limitation mechanism, allowing for single actuations to fill the child device without spilling, and enabling easy coupling and decoupling for refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the parent pump is used as the refill mechanism for the child device, then refilling can be achieved, but multiple pump activations are required which is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into two distinct components: the parent pump mechanism and the child reservoir. This segmentation allows the pump to be used both for dispensing (with actuator) and for refilling (without actuator, direct liquid transfer), eliminating the need for multiple activations and improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the pump's function based on the presence or absence of the actuator. When the actuator is attached, the pump dispenses perfume in standard doses. When the actuator is removed and the child device is connected, the pump transitions to a refilling mode where it transfers liquid directly without multiple activations, thus saving time and improving convenience.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator is partially disassembled to reveal the pump stem for refilling, then the pump can be accessed for refilling, but the process is inconvenient and may damage the parent actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is completely extracted (removed) from the parent device rather than partially disassembled. This extraction reveals the pump stem for refilling without requiring any disassembly of the actuator components themselves, thus avoiding potential damage to the actuator while providing full access to the pump mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is removed before the refilling process begins, preparing the system for efficient refilling. This preliminary action eliminates the need for partial disassembly during refilling and ensures the actuator is not subjected to any disassembly-related stress or damage.
3Volume of moving object
If the child device is made small for convenient storage, then portability is improved, but the liquid storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The child device with its small reservoir is nested within or alongside the parent device with its larger reservoir. This nesting arrangement allows the child device to maintain its compact, portable size while the parent device provides additional liquid capacity, effectively combining the benefits of both small portability and large storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The child device is designed to be self-refillable from the parent device through a simple connection mechanism. This self-service capability allows the user to quickly transfer liquid from the parent to the child device without requiring external equipment or complex procedures, thus maintaining the child's small size while ensuring adequate liquid supply.
4Ease of operation
If conventional refill systems are used, then refilling can be achieved, but spillage and mess occur during the refilling process
Solution Approach 1:
A direct liquid transfer pathway is established between the parent pump and the child reservoir, acting as an intermediary channel that controls and contains the liquid flow. This intermediary pathway prevents liquid from spilling onto surrounding surfaces by confining it within the defined transfer route from source to destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is removed from the parent device during refilling, extracting the potential source of accidental discharge. Without the actuator attached, there is no mechanism for inadvertent pump activation and perfume release, thereby eliminating a major source of spillage and mess during the refilling process.
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 system allows for efficient and mess-free refilling of travel-sized perfume dispensers with minimal device disassembly, reducing the need for multiple pump activations and preventing damage, while maintaining the parent device's functionality for both dispensing and refilling.
Implementation Method 1
a child component of a refill mechanism (108) and a liquid outlet (213) having a one way liquid valve (212) associated therewith
Implementation Method 2
said parent device (201) having a pump (207) and an actuator (217) releasably attached to said parent device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a liquid refilling system (10) comprising a parent device (201) and a child or portable travel device sized device (101) that can be releasably coupled to the parent device (201) to transfer liquid from the parent to the child device. The parent device has a pump (207), an actuator (217) and an actuator stroke limitation means (218) whereby the amount of liquid dispensed by the parent device (201) can be selected as a single use predetermined amount or as a child refill amount. The parent pump is in liquid communication with the parent liquid reservoir and the pump has a volume which is substantially equal to the volume of the child.