Magnetic Fluid Dispenser Shutter Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid dispenser mechanisms for complex toiletry, care, and make-up products face challenges such as sticking issues, dead volume, and high costs, requiring a mechanism that is easy to use, minimizes product drying, and reduces the number of parts while maintaining a low cost price.

Innovation Solution

A fluid dispenser member utilizing magnetic interactions to open and close the nozzle, eliminating the need for a return spring and reducing the number of parts, with a magnet carrier and spring external to the pump, and incorporating inclined contact faces and guide reliefs to minimize sticking and friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional mechanical mechanism with multiple parts is used to open and close the nozzle, then the shutter can be moved reliably, but the device complexity increases and the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle opening and closing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical return spring mechanism with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are positioned to automatically attract the shutter to the closed position without requiring direct mechanical contact or additional springs, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining reliable nozzle closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force to move the shutter. Instead of direct mechanical contact between multiple components, the magnetic field acts as a mediator to exert force on the shutter, enabling remote actuation and reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a larger dead volume is provided between the pump and nozzle, then the mechanism operation is facilitated, but product stagnation increases and dispensing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism operationVSAvoiddispensing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary dead volume from the system by optimizing the spatial arrangement between the pump, shutter, and nozzle. The magnetic actuation system allows for a more compact configuration that minimizes the fluid pathway length while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the shutter and nozzle have large contact surfaces, then the sealing is improved, but the risk of sticking increases due to product interposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidsticking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific geometric configuration at the contact interface between the shutter and nozzle. The inclined contact faces are designed with specific angles and dimensions that provide adequate sealing while minimizing the surface area where product accumulation could cause sticking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If a return spring is used to move the shutter, then the nozzle closure is ensured, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle closureVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the return spring mechanical system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Magnets are strategically positioned to provide the necessary force for shutter closure without requiring additional mechanical components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic system is designed to automatically perform the shutter closure function without requiring additional actuating mechanisms. The magnetic attraction force inherently provides the return action, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for separate return springs or actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution simplifies the mechanism, reduces dead volume, and maintains a low cost while ensuring efficient product dispensing, preventing sticking and stagnation, and ensuring efficient product distribution without lumps or deviations.

Implementation Method 1

Based on a magnetic interaction exerted by one or more magnets, there is provided a member for dispensing a viscous fluid product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a first magnet able to move the shutter in the direction opposite to the nozzle, and a second magnet able to move the shutter in the direction of the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2720804B1Member for dispensing a fluid care, makeup or washing product

Publication Date: 2019.10.23 CHANEL PARFUMS BEAUTE SAS

Figure 1~4
Figure 5~10

AI summary

The member (2) for dispensing a fluid product (10) comprises: ° - a nozzle (31), ° - a closure member (30) of the nozzle, and ° - at least one magnet (42, 46, 48) capable of moving the closure member with respect to the nozzle.