Dispensing Pump Locking Mechanism for Leak-Safe Reversible Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing pump designs suffer from issues such as cumbersome operation, irreversible locking mechanisms, compromised air tightness, and unsuitability for rectangular containers, leading to product leakage during transport and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a movable button, slidable switch, and rotatable annular member that converts linear motion into rotational motion, allowing secure and reversible locking suitable for rectangular containers, ensuring air tightness and improving aesthetic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shroud or outer cover is used to lock the dispenser head, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the user must unscrew or remove the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static shroud-based system to a dynamic button-actuated system. The button can be pressed to release the locking state, allowing the piston rod to move freely for dispensing, and automatically returns to locked position when released. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing secure locking during transport while enabling easy one-handed operation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a spring that automatically returns the button to its initial locked position after being pressed. This self-service feature eliminates the need for the user to manually reset the locking mechanism, providing both reliable locking during transport and convenient ease of operation during dispensing.
2Reliability
If a pushable locking member with large and small diameters is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is merged with the piston rod itself, eliminating the need for separate locking components. The piston rod features a large diameter portion that engages with the guiding groove in the actuator, creating an integrated locking mechanism that provides reliable locking without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston rod serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating element for the dispensing pump and the locking element through its large diameter portion. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing reliable locking without requiring additional dedicated locking components.
3Reliability
If the piston rod is sealed inside the dispensing pump device, then the air tightness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates for existing locking designs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the sealed internal structure by integrating the locking feature directly into the piston rod and actuator assembly. The large diameter portion of the piston rod engages with the guiding groove of the actuator, providing reliable locking while maintaining the sealed configuration necessary for air tightness.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking mechanism, a dispensing pump assembly, a container system and a method for using the same. A locking mechanism for a dispensing pump comprises: a movable button actuatable by a user to move between an initial position and a pressed position; a slidable switch embedded in the button, being actuatable by the user to move between an open position and a close position, such that the locking mechanism changes between an unlocking state and a locking state; and a rotatable annular member cooperating with the switch, which can be actuated by the switch such that a sliding movement of the switch causes rotation of the annular member, wherein: when the locking mechanism is in the unlocking state, the annular member allows the user to actuate the button so as to enable a dispensing; and when the locking mechanism is in the locking state, the annular member prevents the movement of the button so as to prohibit the dispensing.