Precompression Pump Mechanisms for Metal-Free Fluid Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pump systems with metal and plastic components are reactive with certain fluids, making them unsuitable for recycling and posing challenges in maintaining a metal-free fluid path, while all-plastic pumps struggle to match the functionality of mixed-component pumps.

Innovation Solution

A pump engine comprising a piston sub-assembly with a plastic stem, piston, and plug, where the piston and plug form a seal that breaks to allow fluid flow, and a spring element providing precompression for improved functionality, all made from recyclable plastic materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal components are used in pump systems, then structural strength and functionality are improved, but fluid reactivity and recyclability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidfluid reactivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes all metal components from the pump system, creating a completely plastic pump assembly. The pump housing, piston, stem, spring, and valve elements are all made from plastic materials, eliminating metal-fluid reactivity issues while maintaining structural integrity through careful material selection and design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite plastic materials and resin compositions to replace metal components. Different plastic materials are selected for different components based on their specific mechanical requirements, creating a composite structure that provides the necessary strength without metal reactivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If metal and plastic components are mixed in pump systems, then functionality is improved, but recyclability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidrecyclability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a homogeneous pump assembly where all components are made from plastic materials that can be easily separated and recycled. The pump housing, piston, stem, spring, and valve elements all use plastic or resin materials that do not require complex disassembly for recycling, improving ease of manufacture and environmental sustainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Ease of manufacture

If all plastic components are used in pump systems, then recyclability is improved, but functionality and strength are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverecyclabilityVSAvoidfunctional strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses specifically formulated plastic materials and resin compositions for each component to ensure adequate strength and functionality. The piston, stem, and spring are made from plastic materials selected for their mechanical properties, and the valve elements use plastic materials that provide the necessary sealing and flow control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes the physical and chemical parameters of the plastic materials used, such as molecular weight, cross-linking density, and material composition, to achieve the required strength and functional performance while maintaining recyclability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables the creation of a fully plastic pump engine that is recyclable, maintains a metal-free fluid path, and achieves functionality comparable to or better than mixed-component pumps, with improved strength and quality of fluid delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element mounted about an exterior of the stem

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a spring element mounted about an exterior of the stem

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the piston and plug form a seal that breaks to allow fluid flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2629896B1Precompression pump mechanisms
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 SILGAN DISPENSING SYSTEMS CORP
  • EP2629896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2629896B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2629896B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Pump engines made of recyclable materials and offering a metal free fluid or product flow path include precompression means for applying precompression forces to a fluid being distributed thereby.