Lockable Dispensing Head with Removable Diffuser and Lever Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing heads for cosmetic products, particularly those with triggers, are cumbersome, difficult to use, and lack versatility in pump selection, often requiring replacement of the entire head for different product measures and safety features that are impractical and prone to accidental actuation.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing head design featuring a standard pump with a removable diffuser and lever arm for actuation, combined with a ring-shaped locking member that allows easy switching between actuated and locked positions, enabling use with various pump models and preventing accidental activation, while allowing for comfortable and efficient dispensing of viscous products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trigger mechanism is added to facilitate actuation of viscous products, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing head is divided into separable components: a standard pump body and a removable diffuser assembly that includes the lever arm trigger mechanism. This segmentation allows the pump to remain simple while the diffuser provides the needed actuation assistance, and the components can be replaced independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm trigger mechanism provides dynamic actuation assistance by translating user input into amplified pump activation force. The movable diffuser assembly with its lever arm creates a mechanical advantage system that reduces the force needed by the user while maintaining pump functionality.
2Reliability
If a safety device is added to prevent accidental actuation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser assembly is supplied pre-assembled with the lever arm trigger mechanism already in place. This preliminary assembly ensures that the safety features and actuation mechanism are correctly positioned before installation, eliminating the need for complex user adjustments while maintaining both safety and ease of use.
3Reliability
If the pump is incorporated entirely into the head, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a permanent standard pump body and a removable diffuser assembly. This allows the reliable pump mechanism to remain fixed while the diffuser can be exchanged to accommodate different products and dispensing requirements, achieving both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard pump body is designed as a universal base that can work with multiple diffuser assemblies tailored for different products (viscous products, sprays, creams). This universal pump design maintains reliability across different applications while the interchangeable diffusers provide the needed versatility.
4Reliability
If a protective cap is used to prevent accidental actuation, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The safety function is merged into the diffuser assembly itself through the lever arm trigger mechanism. Instead of adding a separate protective cap that would be difficult to install over the lever arm, the diffuser assembly incorporates the actuation control, eliminating the need for a separate capping mechanism and simplifying manufacturing.
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 design allows for easy adaptation to different product measures, reduces the force required for actuation, enhances user comfort, and prevents accidental dispensing, while maintaining a desirable appearance and simplicity in production and use.
Implementation Method 1
A lever arm is provided for controlling the actuation of the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing head which can be mounted on a receptacle. The dispensing head includes a pump, for surmounting the receptacle, with an actuating rod having a longitudinal axis X. A diffuser is mounted on the pump, and includes a tube opening at a dispensing orifice, with the tube being elongated along an axis Y distinct from the axis X. A lever arm controls the actuation of the pump, with the lever arm including a portion capable of coming to bear on the diffuser in order to actuate the pump. In addition, a locking member is configured such that, in a first position, the locking member allows actuation of the pump and, in a second position, the locking member prevents actuation of the pump. In a disclosed example, in the second position the tube abuts against a portion of the locking member to prevent actuation of the pump.