Pump Dispenser Locking Feature Torque Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock-down features in pump-type dispensers fail to securely prevent opening and leakage during shipping, especially in e-commerce packaging which is less robust than traditional corrugated cartons, leading to potential product security issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser design that requires greater torque to rotate the dispenser head from a locked to an unlocked position, utilizing interference fits such as protrusions and grooves, ramped features, or thread mismatches, and a frangibly connected locking ring to ensure secure closure during shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lock-down features are used in pump-type dispensers, then the dispensers can be opened and used, but they fail to securely prevent opening and leakage during shipping, especially in e-commerce packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the torque parameter required for rotation by incorporating interference fits between threading elements. The first and second threading elements are designed with non-uniform thread sizes or pitches that create regions requiring greater torque to rotate, thereby securing the dispenser during shipping while still allowing intentional opening by the consumer
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a rotatable dispenser head that transitions between locked and unlocked states through rotational movement. The dynamic aspect is that the torque requirement varies during rotation - higher at locked positions due to interference fits, and lower during normal operation, creating a secure yet usable system
2Ease of operation
If the lock-down feature involves rotation of the pump head, then the dispenser can be unlocked for use, but rotation might cause unlocking, opening, and leakage during shipment in less robust packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the rotational parameter by creating specific torque barriers through interference fits. The non-uniform threading elements create high-torque zones that prevent accidental rotation during shipping, while still allowing controlled rotation when intentionally opened by a consumer
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism applies local interference fits at specific positions along the threading elements rather than uniform locking throughout. This creates localized high-torque regions that provide security during shipping while maintaining ease of operation at other positions
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 design effectively prevents accidental opening and leakage by requiring higher torque to unlock the dispenser head, maintaining product security during shipping and handling, even in less robust packaging.
Implementation Method 1
The greater torque required to rotate from the lock-down position may be due to an interference of parts. In certain embodiments, the interference may be between a protrusion on the one part and a groove on another part. In other embodiments, the interference may be between a ramped protrusion and a rib.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump dispenser includes a dispenser head rotatable relative to a locking ring for a lock-down feature during shipment. The lock-down feature requires a greater torque to initially rotate the dispenser head from the lock-down position, and a lesser torque to further rotate the dispenser head to a use position. The lock-down feature incorporates an interference between the dispenser head and locking ring, either inside the dispenser head, on an outer periphery of the dispenser head, or between threads connecting the dispenser head and locking ring.