Metering Pump Locking Tongue Prevents Accidental Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing pumps for liquid to pasty products are prone to accidental dispensing due to pressure changes or accidental presses, leading to contamination and inefficiency, especially in cost-sensitive markets where reduced component counts compromise metering accuracy and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A manual metering pump design featuring a base element, a telescopically mounted push button with an elastically deformable bellows, and an internal peripheral collar system with a locking tongue that prevents accidental dispensing by sealing the dispensing spout under product pressure, ensuring secure closure and efficient dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simplified pump design with fewer components is used, then production costs are reduced, but metering accuracy and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the bellows component: it serves as both the pumping mechanism and the metering chamber. The bellows integrates the deformable element, the product containment space, and the actuation interface, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining precise metering through its geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves accurate metering by precisely controlling the bellows geometric parameters - specifically the ratio between its initial expanded volume and compressed volume. This volume ratio determines the exact product dose dispensed per actuation cycle, enabling accurate metering with a single integrated component
2Ease of manufacture
If a simplified pump design with fewer components is used, then production costs are reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to prevent accidental dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a valve system that is pre-configured to close automatically when product pressure exceeds a threshold or when the bellows is compressed beyond its metering stroke. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental dispensing under pressure changes or unintended actuation before the problem occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve as an intermediary element between the bellows chamber and the dispensing spout. This valve mediates product flow by opening only under controlled conditions (during intentional actuation) and closing under accidental conditions (pressure changes, unintended compression), providing reliable protection without requiring complex component assemblies
3Reliability
If multiple valve elements acting in the same direction are used, then accidental dispensing is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve system controlled by the bellows mechanism. The valve responds to multiple conditions (pressure changes, compression direction, actuation force) through its design, providing multi-directional protection without requiring multiple separate valve components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the valve to perform multiple protective functions simultaneously: it prevents accidental dispensing during pressure changes, prevents leakage during transport, and enables controlled dispensing during intentional actuation. This multi-functionality achieves high reliability with minimal 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
The solution effectively prevents accidental dispensing and contamination by utilizing a locking mechanism that only allows product flow under controlled pressure, enhancing the pump's reliability and cost-effectiveness while maintaining metering accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable bellows for the sealed connection between firstly an internal chamber of the base element
Implementation Method 2
a concave locking tongue which is part of the collar and has a height and a width at least sufficient to close off the orifice by pressing against the latter
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dispensing a liquid to a pasty product is placed at the open end of a rigid container and includes a manual dosing pump for dosing a predetermined amount of product to be dispensed. The device has a base member to be placed on the container, a push button with a dispensing spout capable of a pumping action against a bellow including an opening-closing system formed at the upper end of the bellow. The opening-closing system includes a first inner peripheral collar formed at the upper end of the bellow and associated with a second collar of the bellow that is concentrically arranged relative to the first one and inserted in the same groove of the push button, wherein a locking tab capable of blocking the opening protrudes from the collar.