Pump Dispenser Actuator Release Prevention via Rotating Chaplet Arc

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pump dispensers often experience premature actuator release and leakage during handling and shipping, leading to product loss and packaging issues, which are costly to address with existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing pump design featuring a two-piece chaplet with a rotating ring and a stationary ring assembly, where the rotating ring has a cut-out arc allowing controlled actuator release, preventing premature popping up and leaking by allowing the actuator to rotate freely up to 180 degrees.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the actuator is secured to the closure by a chaplet until point of use, then product leakage during handling is prevented, but the actuator may prematurely release and leak during shipping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of premature actuator releaseVSAvoidproduct leakage during handling and shipping

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chaplet design incorporates a rotating ring with a cut-out arc that allows the actuator to dynamically rotate during unscrewing while maintaining sealing. The actuator can rotate freely within the cut-out arc range (45-345 degrees) before the uncut portion engages the key, providing controlled movement that prevents premature release while allowing proper activation at the point of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the chaplet by introducing a cut-out arc with specific angle ranges (45 to 345 degrees) and an uncut portion. This parameter modification creates a controlled rotation mechanism where the actuator can rotate within the cut-out arc but is stopped by the key when the uncut portion engages, thereby controlling the release timing and preventing leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional chaplet design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but actuator release timing cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechaplet manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidactuator release timing control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The chaplet is segmented into a stationary ring and a rotating ring, with the rotating ring further divided into a cut-out arc portion and an uncut portion. This segmentation allows the actuator to rotate freely within the cut-out arc while the uncut portion provides a stopping point when engaged by the key, thereby achieving precise control over actuator release timing through the rotation angle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If additional parts like overcaps or shrink wrap are used to prevent premature release, then product leakage is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of premature actuator releaseVSAvoidadditional parts and secondary manipulations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the sealing function and the rotation control function into a single integrated chaplet structure. The stationary ring and rotating ring work together as one component, with the cut-out arc and uncut portion providing both the rotation freedom and the controlled stopping mechanism, eliminating the need for separate overcaps or shrink wrap while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chaplet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing to prevent leakage, allows controlled rotation of the actuator, and controls the release timing through the interaction between the uncut portion and the key. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9908132B2Mechanism to prevent actuator of a pump dispenser to prematurely open and leak

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a dispensing pump for dispensing material from a container having a chaplet comprising a rotating ring and a stationary ring, wherein the rotating ring is connected to an actuator and the stationary ring is connected to an actuator assembly; a rotating ring affixed to the actuator wherein the rotating ring comprises a cut-out arc having an angle between about 45 degrees to about 345 degrees, wherein the remaining portion of the rotating ring is an uncut portion; a stationary ring attached to the actuator assembly a key protruding from the stationary ring which fits along the cut-out arc of the rotating ring; wherein the actuator rotates with the rotating ring until the uncut portion of the rotating ring is stopped by the key wherein the actuator starts to unscrew from the rotating ring until the actuator is released.