Metering Pump Chamber Priming Without Fluid Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nasal dispensing devices with metering chambers require priming, leading to potential loss of fluid product due to air displacement, which is inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A fluid product distribution device with a dosing chamber having multiple openings, where the first opening allows filling during assembly, and a piston design that ensures the chamber is primed without additional actuations, eliminating the need for traditional priming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional priming method is used (actuating device to replace air with fluid), then dosing chamber is filled with fluid product, but fluid product is lost during priming actuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-filling the dosing chamber with fluid product through the first opening during assembly, before the device is activated for use. This eliminates the need for priming actuations that would otherwise waste fluid product, as the chamber is already filled and ready for immediate dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful priming step from the device operation by providing a separate filling mechanism (first opening) that allows the dosing chamber to be filled during assembly without requiring actuation of the dispensing mechanism. This separates the filling function from the dosing function, eliminating fluid waste.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple openings are added to dosing chamber, then filling during assembly is enabled, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dosing chamber structure by providing a first opening specifically for filling during assembly and a second opening for dispensing during use. This segmentation allows each opening to serve its specific function independently, enabling simple assembly-time filling while maintaining clean dispensing operation without requiring complex valve mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If piston is positioned to close first opening after initial stroke, then controlled filling is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the closure of the first opening dynamic rather than fixed - the piston naturally closes the first opening after an initial stroke distance during normal operation. This dynamic closure mechanism uses the existing piston motion to control the filling process, avoiding the need for precisely manufactured fixed-position closures while ensuring reliable opening/closing timing through the inherent mechanics of piston movement.
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 device is primed instantly upon assembly, eliminating fluid waste and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
assembling said distributor on said tank, by inserting at least partially said pump body into said tank with said piston in rest position, this insertion displacing the fluid product contained in said tank, said displaced fluid product entering said dosing chamber through said first opening, thus priming the device
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid product device comprising a dispenser (10) joined to a reservoir (20) which contains fluid product, the dispenser comprising a pump body (11) which contains a dosing chamber (12), and a dispensing head (15) which comprises a dispensing aperture (16), a plunger (35), which is secured to the dispensing head, being designed to slide in the dosing chamber between a rest position and an actuation position, the dosing chamber comprising at least two openings (121, 122, 123), a first opening (121) for filling the dosing chamber and a second opening (122) connecting the dosing chamber to the dispensing orifice, the first opening being made in a cylindrical portion of the pump body in which the plunger slides during actuation, the first opening connecting the dosing chamber to the reservoir when the plunger is in the rest position, and the first opening isolating the dosing chamber from the reservoir when the plunger moves out of its rest position, the dosing chamber being filled through the first opening when the dispenser is joined to the reservoir.