Plastic Spring Pump Assembly for Recyclable Container Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump assemblies face challenges in recycling due to the use of metal springs, which increase manufacturing costs and complicate the separation of plastic and metal components.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly design featuring a cylinder, sealing part, stem, and housing with an elastic member made of soft plastic materials, such as PEEK, PC, POM, POK, PBT, PP, PE, POP, POE, or copolymers, that is configured to be stably coupled to a container using wings and a housing to prevent exposure and breakage, reducing manufacturing costs and facilitating recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring is used as the elastic member, then the pump assembly can perform repeated pumping operations, but the manufacturing cost increases and recycling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the elastic member from metal to plastic, specifically using materials like polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or elastomers. This material substitution maintains the elastic functionality needed for repeated pumping operations while reducing manufacturing cost and enabling full plastic construction for easier recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite plastic materials with elastic properties, such as elastomers or rubber-like plastics, to create an elastic member that combines the flexibility and elasticity traditionally provided by metal springs with the advantages of plastic materials (cost-effectiveness and recyclability).
2Reliability
If a metal spring is used as the elastic member, then the pump assembly can perform repeated pumping operations, but the complexity of separating metal and plastic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic member with the plastic housing by integrating it into the pump assembly's plastic structure. The elastic member is positioned within the housing and works in conjunction with the button part and piston, creating a unified plastic-based system that eliminates the need to separate metal and plastic components during recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves material homogeneity by using plastic materials throughout the pump assembly, including the elastic member, housing, and other components. This uniform plastic construction simplifies recycling processes as all components can be processed together without complex separation procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the elastic member is made exposed, then it can be easily accessed, but it becomes susceptible to breakage and exposure issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the elastic member within the protected interior of the plastic housing, where it is shielded from external damage while still functioning through the piston and button mechanism. This nested configuration protects the elastic member from breakage and exposure issues while maintaining its operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the piston and housing structure as intermediaries between the elastic member and the external environment. The elastic member interacts with the piston, which transmits the elastic force through the housing walls to the button part, allowing the elastic member to remain protected while still performing its function.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and enhances recyclability by using soft plastic elastic members, ensuring stable coupling and preventing exposure, thus improving the eco-friendliness of the pump assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed between the stem and the sealing part to apply an elastic force to the stem from the sealing part
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly includes a cylinder open on top and bottom thereof and having a hollow portion formed therein and a first wing protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of top thereof, a sealing part having at least a portion thereof inserted into the cylinder to at least partly seal the upper peripheral surface of the cylinder and a second wing protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the top thereof, a stem moving downward in reply to an external force to vary internal pressure of the cylinder, an elastic member disposed between the stem and the sealing part to apply an elastic force to the stem from the sealing part, and a housing coupled to the cylinder in such a way to surround the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the cylinder and adapted to detachably couple the pump assembly to a container.