Pump Dispenser Bypass Backflow for Seal-Free Portioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for fluids like gravies and sauces face issues with particulate-induced friction and seal damage, complexity, and maintenance difficulties due to trapped particulates and friction between the piston and dispenser chamber walls.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus with a spring-biased piston and check valves that eliminates the need for a piston seal, using a bypass backflow opening and check valves to manage fluid flow, allowing for larger clearance to accommodate particulates and varying viscosities, and a clean-in-place design for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is used between the piston and dispenser chamber wall, then fluid leakage is prevented, but friction and damage from trapped particulates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the seal component entirely from the system. By eliminating the seal between the piston and dispenser chamber wall, the source of friction and particulate trapping is removed, while the bypass backflow opening provides an alternative path for fluid containment and flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized flow path through the bypass backflow opening that allows fluid to change direction and exit the chamber. This localized modification enables the system to manage fluid flow without requiring a seal, thereby avoiding the friction and damage issues while maintaining fluid containment.
2Reliability
If a small clearance is used between piston and dispenser cylinder wall, then sealing is improved, but friction and particulate damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a tight clearance seal by removing the seal component and using the bypass backflow opening mechanism instead. This allows for a larger clearance that accommodates particulates while maintaining effective fluid containment through the bypass path.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass backflow opening acts as an intermediary element that manages fluid flow between the piston and dispenser chamber wall. Instead of relying on direct contact sealing, the bypass opening provides an indirect path that controls fluid movement and contains pressure without requiring tight clearances.
3Reliability
If a complex dispensing system is used, then dispensing reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex seal mechanisms and tight clearance requirements from the dispensing system. By using the bypass backflow opening with a spring-biased piston, the system achieves reliable dispensing with fewer components, reducing overall system complexity and maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased piston automatically responds to pressure changes and fluid flow conditions, self-regulating the dispensing process without requiring complex control mechanisms. The bypass opening passively manages backflow and pressure equalization, eliminating the need for additional active 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
The solution reduces friction and damage, provides reliable and consistent portion control, and simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for seals and allowing for easy cleaning without disassembly, while accommodating a range of fluid viscosities and particulates.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased piston configured for sliding movement in the dispensing cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The closure member can be a ball held against the inlet opening by the force of gravity. The inlet check valve can be a ball check valve.
Implementation Method 3
The outlet check valve has an outlet check valve closure member biased toward an outlet opening to close the outlet opening. The closure member can be a ball held against the outlet opening by the force of gravity.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The dispensing apparatus has a product container for holding the fluid; a chamber including a dispensing cylinder having an inlet and an outlet; an inlet check valve disposed at the inlet of the chamber, the inlet check valve being openable to permit flow substantially only in a direction through the inlet check valve into the chamber; an outlet check valve disposed at the outlet of the chamber, the outlet check valve being openable to permit flow substantially only in a direction from the chamber out through the outlet check valve; an outlet spout connected with the outlet of the outlet check valve for receiving the fluid from the outlet check valve; a spring-biased piston configured for sliding movement in the dispensing cylinder, the piston being smaller than the dispensing cylinder thus providing a clearance; and a bypass backflow opening disposed in the dispensing cylinder above the spring-biased piston. The clearance is provided between the piston and the dispenser cylinder wall to allow fluid flow to pass therebetween to a region above the piston when the piston is pushed downward and, subsequently, to allow fluid flow to exit the dispenser chamber from the region above the piston through the bypass back flow opening to the product container.