Off-Axis Foam Dispenser Layout for Centered Refill Necks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inverted foam dispensers with offset necks from the center of the container face manufacturing difficulties and aesthetic issues due to the need for common axis alignment of liquid inlets and foam outlets, leading to irregular container thickness and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained dispenser system with a horizontal foam pump and air compressor, where the liquid inlet and foam outlet are offset along different axes, allowing the neck to be centered for easier manufacturing and aesthetics, and incorporating a one-way air inlet valve for efficient air mixing and recharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the liquid inlet and foam outlet are aligned along a common axis, then the dispenser structure is simplified, but the container neck must be offset from the center resulting in manufacturing difficulties and aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a common-axis alignment (one-dimensional constraint) to an offset-axis alignment by introducing spatial separation in multiple dimensions. The liquid inlet and foam outlet are positioned at different locations along the container axis, allowing the neck to remain centered while maintaining functional separation. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for neck offset.
2Device complexity
If the liquid inlet and foam outlet are aligned along a common axis, then the internal passage structure is simplified, but the container exhibits irregular thickness and poor appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the foam outlet at a different axial location than the liquid inlet, creating spatial separation that allows the container to maintain uniform wall thickness. This dimensional reconfiguration enables the neck to be centered on the container while the outlet is positioned forward, eliminating the irregular thickness problem associated with offset neck designs.
3Ease of operation
If the outlet is positioned closer to the front of the dispenser, then foam dispensing performance is improved, but the inlet would need to be offset further back creating manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the outlet position closer to the front for improved dispensing performance and compensates by positioning the inlet at a rearward location along the same axis. This axial separation in one dimension allows both performance optimization and manufacturing simplicity, as the centered neck can accommodate both inlet and outlet positions without offset.
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
This design simplifies manufacturing, enhances aesthetics by maintaining uniform container thickness, and ensures efficient foam dispensing with reduced residual fluid leakage and extended battery life through optimized air flow management.
Implementation Method 1
Air is generally injected into the liquid material to form air bubbles in the liquid, causing the formation of foam
Implementation Method 2
A horizontal foam pump is secured to the neck portion. The pump has an inlet orientated along an inlet axis. The pump has a liquid pump chamber and a stationary outlet orientated along an outlet axis
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system includes a dispenser housing and a replaceable refill unit. The replaceable refill unit has a container that has a neck portion and a horizontal foam pump. The pump has an inlet orientated along an inlet axis and an outlet orientated along an outlet axis. A fluid passage extends from the pump chamber to the outlet. The inlet axis is offset from the outlet axis and the outlet axis is located closer to the front of the dispenser. An actuator is also located within the housing. In addition, an air compressor and an air passage to direct air into the fluid passage to mix the air with the fluid are included. The actuator is configured to drive the horizontal pump toward the front of the dispenser to dispense a fluid in the form of a foam.