Monolithic Polymer Dispenser Pump With Integral Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for flowable products, such as pump dispensers, are complex, expensive, and less recyclable due to the use of non-polymeric and non-degradable materials, which hinders economy and simplicity in manufacturing and recycling.
Innovation Solution
A pump dispenser design utilizing a minimum number of thermoplastic components, where the pump is made entirely from one polymer type, such as polypropylene, with a deformable wall generating restoring force without additional springs, and integral valve flaps for directional flow control, allowing for economical and recyclable production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pump dispensers use metals and non-degradable plastics for springs, valve elements and other components, then the dispenser achieves reliable operation, but the complexity and cost increase and recyclability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components into a single integrated pump body made from a single piece of resilient material. The pump body integrates the chamber, inlet valve, outlet valve, and spring mechanism into one monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate metal springs, multiple plastic parts, and complex assemblies. This merging reduces component count while maintaining functional reliability through the material's inherent elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a single homogeneous material (resilient plastic or elastomer) for the entire pump body, replacing the traditional heterogeneous combination of metals, thermosetting plastics, and various polymers. This homogeneity simplifies manufacturing, reduces the number of material types needed, and improves recyclability while the material's uniform elastic properties ensure reliable operation across all pump functions.
2Strength
If traditional pump dispensers use metals and non-degradable plastics, then the dispenser achieves durable construction, but manufacturing cost increases and recyclability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pump into two functional parts: a single-piece resilient pump body and a separate actuator. This segmentation allows the complex pump chamber, valves, and spring mechanism to be molded as one integrated component from durable resilient material, while the actuator can be a simpler separate piece. This reduces manufacturing steps compared to assembling multiple small metal and plastic parts, lowering production cost while maintaining durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical components (metal springs, separate valve elements, discrete fasteners) with a molded resilient plastic or elastomer structure that inherently provides spring action and valve functionality. This substitution eliminates the need for precision mechanical assemblies and metal parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining durable construction through the material's elastic recovery properties.
3Reliability
If traditional pump dispensers use multiple materials including metals and thermosetting plastics, then the dispenser achieves functional performance, but environmental sustainability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a single homogeneous material (resilient plastic or elastomer) for the entire pump body, replacing the traditional heterogeneous combination of metals, thermosetting plastics, and various polymers. This homogeneity simplifies recycling by eliminating material separation requirements, improves environmental sustainability, and maintains functional reliability through the material's uniform elastic properties that enable pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the pump to be easily discarded and recovered as a single recyclable component. The single-piece resilient pump body can be collected and recycled as one material type, unlike traditional pumps with mixed metals and plastics that require complex disassembly. This design enables efficient recovery and recycling, reducing environmental impact while the resilient material ensures the pump functions reliably during its service life.
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 achieves operational simplicity and recyclability while reducing material costs, enabling the production of efficient and user-friendly dispensers with fewer components, enhancing both economic and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable wall is given a geometrical form so as to generate restoring force on deformation in the dispensing stroke, even when thermoplastic and especially non-elastomeric material is used
Implementation Method 2
The pump has an inlet to receive product from the container, a pump chamber of variable volume, an outlet from the pump chamber leading to an outlet passage
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser pump is constituted by a closure body (2), a diaphragm body (3) which forms a pump chamber with the closure body and optionally a top actuator (4) for pressing the diaphragm body (4). The diaphragm body has a deformable wall (35) formed integrally in the same polymer as its annular mounting portion (31). An inlet valve (5) through the floor (21) of the closure body has a flap (52) which is formed and hinged integrally with that floor (21). An outlet valve may also be formed in the same polymer, either integrally with the diaphragm body or as a separate component. The deformable wall of the diaphragm body is shaped to generate a restoring force itself without a separate spring, so that the entire pump may be made from the same polymer e.g. polypropylene and without metal components.