Retractable Needle Valve Dispensing Head for Sealing and Dosage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional dispensers face sealing issues at the pump chamber, incompatibility of certain products with metals, and poor control over small volume dosages, leading to manufacturing and assembly difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing head with a retractable needle valve articulated on a drive link connected to an axial rod, secured by elastic blades and a deformable connecting strip, providing self-sealing and improved dosage control through a two-stage distribution mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional end valve is used to close the ejection channel, then the sealing is insufficient, but the device complexity increases with additional sealing means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The needle valve performs dual functions: it controls product ejection and simultaneously provides sealing by closing the ejection channel through its own movement. The elastic blades also serve dual purposes by providing both structural support and forcing the needle into the closed position against the orifice. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sealing mechanisms while improving sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The needle valve is designed as a multi-functional component that combines product delivery control with sealing functions. The same needle that regulates product flow also closes the ejection channel when retracted, eliminating the need for dedicated sealing elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If metal components are used in the pump, then structural strength is ensured, but product compatibility is compromised for certain products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidproduct-metal incompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of components in contact with the product from metal to elastomer. The needle valve, elastic blades, and sealing elements are all made of elastomeric materials that are chemically compatible with a broader range of liquid products including cosmetics and perfumes, while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength through proper material selection and design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the distribution mode is not controlled, then the mechanism is simple, but dosage precision deteriorates for small volumes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosage precisionVSAvoiddistribution control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the distribution process through a two-stage mechanism. First, the axial rod and drive link control the needle's retraction to initiate product flow. Second, the elastic blades dynamically force the needle into the closed position to control the end of ejection. This dynamic, multi-stage control enables precise dosage delivery for small volumes while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution process is segmented into two distinct stages: initiation of flow controlled by the axial rod and drive link mechanism, and termination of flow controlled by the elastic blades forcing the needle closed. This segmentation of the distribution process allows for precise control of small volume dosages by independently optimizing each stage without requiring complex integrated control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If fine positioning of sealing elements is required, then sealing reliability improves, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses elastomeric materials with inherent flexibility to achieve sealing without requiring fine positioning. The elastic blades naturally conform to the needle and orifice geometry through their flexibility, providing reliable sealing through material compliance rather than precision mechanical positioning. This approach significantly simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining high sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 ensures reliable sealing, enhanced product restitution, and precise control over small volume dosages, while allowing for efficient manufacturing and assembly of the dispenser components.

Implementation Method 1

the needle is secured laterally to a set of elastic blades, the free ends of which are fixed to the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

said needle is articulated on said rod by means of a deformable connecting strip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP1948532B1Pump triggering and dispensing head
Publication Date: 2012.01.11 REXAM DISPENSING SMT
  • EP1948532B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP1948532B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP1948532B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a triggering and dispensing head to be mounted on a pump for a liquid product dispenser provided with an exhaust conduit (E), wherein said head comprises a body (1) provided with an ejection channel (12) closable by a flap which comprises a center punch (2) translationally displaceable in the channel (12) and hingeable about a drive billet (3) connected to an axial rod (4) sliding in said exhaust conduit.