Integrated Locking Collar for Recyclable Reciprocating Foam Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reciprocating foam pumps face challenges in being made entirely from recyclable materials, require detachable plastic parts for locking mechanisms that create waste, and struggle with maintaining aesthetic appeal and efficient foam production characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A locking collar for reciprocating pumps made from recyclable materials that integrates with the actuator and closure cap, providing up-lock functionality without detachable parts, and allows adjustment of foam characteristics by controlling the air-to-liquid ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional reciprocating pumps use metallic springs for biasing members, then the pump can maintain reliable reciprocating action, but the pump cannot be easily recycled due to mixed materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metallic springs with biasing members made from the same polymeric material as the pump body, creating a homogeneous single-material construction that is easily recyclable while maintaining the necessary mechanical functionality for reliable reciprocating action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a deformable dome-shaped body that can be easily manufactured from polymeric materials and replaced if needed, serving as a reliable biasing mechanism without the complexity and recycling issues of metallic springs
2Adaptability or versatility
If reciprocating pumps use rigid cylindrical chambers for air and liquid, then the pump structure is simple and strong, but the foam characteristics cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable dome-shaped body that dynamically changes volume during operation, allowing precise control over the air-to-liquid ratio and foam characteristics without requiring complex rigid chamber structures with multiple adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable dome-shaped body serves multiple functions: it acts as the biasing member, the air chamber, and the volume control mechanism, simplifying the overall structure while providing versatile foam characteristic control
3Reliability
If detachable plastic clips are used for locking the pump during shipment, then the pump is protected from accidental actuation, but detachable plastic waste is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking functionality directly into the pump housing structure, combining the housing and locking features into a single unified component that provides shipping protection without requiring separate detachable clips that would become waste
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing structure serves its own locking function through integrated features that automatically secure the pump during shipment, eliminating the need for external detachable locking components
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
Enables recyclable pumps without plastic waste, maintains biasing member integrity, and enhances foam production flexibility while improving aesthetics and shipping stability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member positioned within the deformable body and in communication with the plunger, wherein the biasing member is compressed upon deformation of the deformable body from the retracted position to the extended position
Implementation Method 2
a deformable body defining a variable volume air chamber, wherein the deformable body is deformable between a retracted position and an extended position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A locking collar (200) for a reciprocating pump (10) is contemplated. The collar (200) remains affixed to the pump (10) to avoid the creation of unwanted waste, while simultaneously providing selectively uplocking. The collar (200) includes axial one or more axial stoppers that cooperate with a peripheral stopper on a closure cap (300).