Lotion pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lotion pumps have complex designs and high precision requirements, necessitating a simpler and more reliable solution.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated lotion pump design featuring an internally threaded sleeve, a dip tube with an annular flange, a biasing member, a check valve with a ball mechanism, and a spring-loaded valve, along with overflow openings and O-rings for leak prevention, to facilitate efficient liquid dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lotion pump design is used, then liquid dispensing function is achieved, but design complexity and precision requirements become very high
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into distinct functional modules: a first housing containing the dip tube and check valve assembly, a second housing containing the spring-loaded valve, and an actuator assembly. Each module operates independently but coordinates through defined interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dip tube is nested within the first housing, the check valve is positioned within the tunnel of the first housing, and the spring-loaded valve is nested within the second housing. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact structure, reducing design complexity without compromising the liquid dispensing function.
2Reliability
If conventional lotion pump design is used, then liquid dispensing function is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements become very high
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve with ball mechanism and the spring-loaded valve automatically regulate liquid flow based on pressure differentials during the pumping cycle. The biasing member automatically returns the plunger to its initial position. These self-regulating features reduce the need for high-precision manufacturing tolerances while ensuring reliable liquid dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded valve uses elastic deformation of the spring to control valve opening pressure, and the check valve uses gravitational force on the ball to control flow direction. By utilizing physical parameters like spring constant and ball weight rather than precise mechanical tolerances, the design reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable operation.
3Device complexity
If simplified design is implemented, then design complexity is reduced, but leak prevention capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
O-rings are positioned at critical interfaces: between the dip tube and first housing, and between the second housing and support. These intermediary sealing elements prevent liquid leakage without adding complex sealing mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while ensuring leak prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate feature (O-rings) from the main structural components. This allows the housing and valve bodies to be designed simply for their primary functions while the O-rings provide dedicated leak prevention at joint interfaces.
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 simplifies the operation while ensuring precise control and preventing leaks, enhancing user experience and manufacturing ease by reducing complexity and precision needs.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member put on the dip tube to have a first end urging against the first flange
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded valve including a plug; and an internally threaded cup
Implementation Method 3
a check valve including a first opening, a first hole spaced from the first opening, and a ball disposed between the first opening and the first hole
Implementation Method 4
The check valve controls the flow of liquid into the chamber from the dip tube, but prevents the reverse flow of liquid
Implementation Method 5
a spring-loaded valve including a plug with an end entering the internally threaded cup to urge against the second hole
Implementation Method 6
O-rings for leak prevention
Data Source
AI summary
A lotion pump includes an internally threaded sleeve; a spring-loaded dip tube including an annular first flange on an outer surface, and an internal shoulder; a first housing including a tapered head, a chamber spaced from the tapered head, a tunnel communicating between the tapered head and the chamber, overflow openings on the tunnel, and first external threads on an outer surface of the chamber; a check valve; a second housing including an open first chamber member, an open second chamber member, a channel communicating between the first chamber member and the second chamber member, second external threads, and an annular second flange on an outer surface; a support including an annular third flange on an outer surface, and an second opening; a spring-loaded valve; and an internally threaded cup including an annular fourth flange on an outer surface, and a second hole through a second end.