Frangible Piston Stop Flange for Pump Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piston pumps in fluid dispensers face issues such as user error leading to piston removal, damage during handling, and increased manufacturing costs due to separate components like protective caps, which can be confusing and lead to improper operation or disposal.
Innovation Solution
A piston pump design featuring a removable stop flange member with a frangible connection to prevent piston removal from the piston chamber, reducing the need for separate protective caps and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate removable protective cap is used to protect the piston, then the piston is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases and users may be confused about what to remove and discard
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap function is merged with the piston structure by integrating a stop flange member directly onto the piston. This eliminates the need for a separate removable protective cap while maintaining the protective function, thereby reducing device complexity and potential user confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop flange member serves multiple functions: it protects the piston from removal, acts as a structural component of the piston assembly, and provides a retention mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components.
2Ease of manufacture
If the piston is made removable for assembly/disassembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the risk of user error and piston removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop flange member is pre-integrated onto the piston during manufacturing, creating a retention mechanism that prevents subsequent removal by users. This preliminary action ensures the piston remains secured during use while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop flange member acts as an intermediary element between the piston and the pump housing, providing a mechanical retention interface that prevents piston removal while allowing for controlled assembly and disassembly during manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If the piston can be inadvertently withdrawn during handling, then ease of operation is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional protective components
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged into the piston structure itself through the integrated stop flange member, eliminating the need for separate protective components while preventing inadvertent withdrawal during handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston structure provides its own protection through the integrated stop flange member, which serves as both a functional component and a protective element, eliminating the need for external protective devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A piston pump assembly in which a piston-forming element to be received in a piston chamber of a piston chamber-forming member carries a removable stop flange member which may be secured to the piston chamber-forming member to provide a retention stop to prevent the piston-forming element from being removed from the piston chamber.