Magnetic Coupling for Spill-Free Refilling of Fluid Dispensers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional perfume dispensers are bulky and inconvenient for storage, limiting their size and the amount of liquid they can hold, and existing refilling systems often result in undesirable spilling or accidental discharge during refilling.

Innovation Solution

A fluid dispensing system comprising a parent dispenser with a reservoir, pump mechanism, and magnetic coupling members that allows for easy and spill-free refilling of a child dispenser, using a removably coupled actuator configuration to transfer liquid between the two without spraying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the perfume dispenser is made small for convenient storage, then portability is improved, but the storage capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The child dispenser is nested within the parent dispenser during the refilling process. The child dispenser couples to the parent dispenser, allowing the smaller unit to be refilled from the larger reservoir without requiring separate handling or additional space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The parent dispenser serves multiple functions: it acts as both a standalone perfume applicator and a refilling station for the child dispenser. The actuator can either dispense perfume directly or transfer it to the child dispenser, providing versatile functionality in a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional refilling systems are used, then refilling capability is provided, but spilling and accidental discharge occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling capabilityVSAvoidspilling and accidental discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the parent and child dispensers. The magnetic field provides a controlled connection that allows fluid transfer while preventing unintended activation or leakage, eliminating the harmful effects of spilling and accidental discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling mechanism replaces traditional mechanical connection methods. Instead of physical contacts that may slip or activate unintentionally, the magnetic field provides a stable, controlled connection that prevents spilling and accidental discharge while enabling refilling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If magnetic coupling members are used to couple the dispensers, then refilling stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling members act as an intermediary force that simplifies the connection between parent and child dispensers. Rather than complex mechanical latches or seals, the magnetic field provides automatic alignment and stable coupling, improving reliability while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 convenient refilling of travel-sized perfume dispensers without spilling, allowing for efficient transfer of liquid perfume while minimizing the risk of accidental discharge, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

The first magnetic coupling member and the second magnetic coupling member cooperate to removably couple the parent actuator and the parent body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2673095B1Methods, devices and systems for refilling a fluid dispenser

Publication Date: 2019.09.18 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

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AI summary

A fluid dispensing system including a parent dispenser (12) and a child dispenser (14), wherein the parent dispenser (12) has a parent body(18) with a parent reservoir (20) containing fluid, a first magnetic coupling member (40), a passage (46), a parent pump mechanism (22) and a parent actuator (16). The parent actuator (16) has an outlet(62), a second magnetic coupling member (70), and actuator inlet tube (52). The actuator inlet tube (52) is removably received within the passage (46). The first (40) and second (70) magnetic coupling members cooperate to removably couple the parent actuator (16) and the parent body (18). The child dispenser (14) has a child body(72) with a child reservoir (76), a child pump mechanism (22), and a child inlet tube (84). The child inlet tube (84) is removably received within the passage (46) when the child dispenser (14) is coupled to the parent body (18). When the child dispenser (14) is coupled to the parent body (18), the parent pump (22) is actuated to transfer fluid from the parent (20) to the child reservoir (76).