Pressurizing Pump for Flexible Pouch Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic and pharmaceutical dispensing bottles with flexible membranes require users to exert pressure directly on the membrane, leading to unpredictable product delivery and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A bottle design featuring a body with a flexible pouch and deformable chamber, where a cover with pressurizing means, such as an elastic blade or cam, presses on the flexible membrane to dispense the product without user contact, using a sliding or rotating mechanism to control the dispensing orifice.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the user presses directly on the flexible membrane to dispense product, then the device is simple in structure, but the product delivery becomes unpredictable and uncomfortable for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidproduct delivery control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pressurizing pump as an intermediary device between the user and the flexible membrane. The pump includes a piston that transfers mechanical force from the user's finger to the membrane in a controlled manner, ensuring reliable and predictable product delivery while maintaining structural simplicity through the direct coupling of the pump mechanism to the membrane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the user presses on the flexible membrane, then the device requires minimal components, but direct contact between user and membrane causes discomfort and unpredictable delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoiduser comfort and delivery predictability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurizing pump serves as a mediator that couples the user's input force to the flexible membrane through a piston mechanism. This intermediary structure ensures comfortable operation by distributing force evenly and predictably, while the pump's mechanical design adds only minimal components that integrate seamlessly with the existing membrane and container structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If pressurizing means are added to press on the flexible membrane, then product delivery becomes controlled and calibrated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct delivery controlVSAvoidpressurization mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurizing pump is designed as a self-contained mechanism that utilizes the user's own finger pressure to drive the piston, which in turn pressurizes the membrane. The system is self-regulating through the piston's mechanical linkage, requiring no external control systems or complex regulation mechanisms, thus achieving reliable product delivery with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a cover with pressurizing means is implemented, then user contact with membrane is eliminated, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser contact with membraneVSAvoidcover and pressurization system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cover function with the pressurizing pump mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The cover serves dual purposes: protecting the dispensing orifice and housing the pressurizing pump. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the benefit of eliminating direct user contact with the flexible membrane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures controlled and calibrated product delivery, eliminating direct user contact with the membrane and allowing for efficient suction back into the pouch upon closure, maintaining product freshness.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic blade comprising a central part, at least one first lug fixed to the body on the side of the dispensing orifice, and at least one second lug

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

pressurizing means which press on the flexible membrane when moving the cover from the closed position to the open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the deformable chamber tends to regain its initial shape. The return to the initial shape is accompanied by suction of the product contained in the flexible pouch through the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3426410B1Fluid dispenser provided with means for pressurizing a dispensing pump
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 CHANEL PARFUMS BEAUTE SAS
  • EP3426410B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3426410B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3426410B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a bottle (100) comprising: - a body (102) having an upper wall (350), - a flexible pouch (302) containing a product to be dispensed, - a deformable chamber (304) delimited by a rigid wall (306) and a flexible diaphragm (308) and in fluidic communication with, for the one part, the flexible pouch (302) and, for the other part, a dispensing orifice (106) that opens out at the upper wall (350), - a cover (104) mounted on the upper wall (350) so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position, the movement between these positions consisting of the cover (104) being slid over the upper wall (350), - pressurizing means (360) designed to press on the flexible diaphragm (308) while the cover (104) moves from the closed position to the open position.