Pump Adapter Assembly for Compact Fluid Dispenser Refills
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid dispensers often face issues with compact design, ease of container replacement, and efficient fluid dispensing, particularly in maintaining a water-tight seal and minimizing waste, especially when dealing with foamy or viscous products.
Innovation Solution
The fluid dispenser incorporates a pump and adapter assembly with a resilient spring mechanism and angled receptacle, allowing for a compact design, easy container replacement, and efficient dispensing, using a push bar-type actuator that directly engages the pump nozzle without additional linkage, ensuring reliable operation and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional pump actuator with additional linkage is used, then the pump can be actuated, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate linkage mechanism from the pump actuator, directly coupling the push bar to the pump nozzle. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the device structure while maintaining reliable pump actuation through direct mechanical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex linkage system to transmit motion from the push bar to the pump, the invention inverts the approach by having the push bar directly engage and move the pump nozzle. This reversal of the actuation mechanism eliminates intermediate components and reduces overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the container receptacle is positioned at a standard angle, then the housing structure is simplified, but the ease of emplacing the container decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric receptacle design where the container receiving area is angled differently from the main housing structure. This asymmetric configuration facilitates easier container insertion by aligning with natural handling orientations while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an angled receptacle that creates a dimensional variation in the housing structure. By angling the receptacle relative to the main housing body, the design provides ergonomic advantages for container placement without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Volume of moving object
If the pump and adapter assembly is designed for compactness, then the dispenser size is reduced, but the ease of container replacement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container system into separable components: a reusable pump and adapter assembly and replaceable containers. This segmentation allows the compact pump unit to remain permanently installed in the reduced-size dispenser while enabling easy container replacement through simple attachment and detachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump and adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as the dispensing mechanism, provides the container interface, and maintains the compact dispenser structure. This multi-functionality allows the compact design to support easy container replacement without requiring additional components.
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 enhances the compactness and ease of use of the dispenser, minimizes waste, and ensures reliable operation by maintaining a secure seal and efficient fluid dispensing, suitable for a variety of fluid types including foamy products.
Implementation Method 1
The pump and adapter assembly includes a resilient spring mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispenser of a type having a housing in which a container filled with a fluid to be dispensed is removably received. The container incorporates a pump and an adapter assembly for securing the pump within an opening or fitment of the container and for removably securing the container within the housing. In another aspect, an improved push bar-type actuator is provided. In certain embodiments, an angled receptacle for receiving the pump and adapter receptacle is provided for ease of emplacing the container within the housing.