Soap Dispenser Pump Piston Coupling for Misalignment-Free Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers require precise alignment and adjustment of the reservoir with the actuator assembly for proper operation, making the replacement of the fluid reservoir time-consuming and prone to inoperative configurations.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser design featuring a movable element with resilient finger members that automatically couple with the actuator mechanism, allowing for easy insertion and secure locking of the reservoir without precise alignment, using a catch assembly that secures the actuator assembly to the piston element during the first cycle, enabling fluid dispensing regardless of initial orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise alignment and adjustment of the reservoir with the actuator assembly is required for proper operation, then the dispenser can be ensured to operate correctly, but the replacement of the fluid reservoir becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is designed with self-aligning features including a pump assembly that automatically positions itself relative to the actuator assembly upon insertion. The system performs its own alignment without requiring manual adjustment, allowing the reservoir to be replaced quickly while ensuring correct operation through automatic coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly is pre-configured with alignment features and coupling elements that enable automatic engagement with the actuator assembly. The resilient finger members are pre-positioned to deflect and capture the actuator plate during the first actuation cycle, ensuring proper coupling is achieved automatically when the reservoir is inserted, regardless of initial positioning precision.
2Ease of operation
If resilient finger members are permanently mounted on the housing to engage with the piston, then coupling is simplified, but the resilient members must retain their resiliency for an extended period and may require expensive resilient metal or specialized plastic
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the resilient finger members on the permanent housing as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the arrangement by mounting the resilient finger members on the disposable pump assembly itself. This allows the use of less expensive materials since the resilient members only need to function for the lifetime of the disposable reservoir rather than the entire dispenser lifespan, and simplifies manufacturing by integrating the resilient members with the pump assembly.
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
Facilitates quick and easy replacement of the reservoir without the need for precise alignment, ensuring the dispenser operates correctly and prevents premature fluid dispensation or leakage, enhancing user convenience and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
resilient finger members circumferentially spaced about the piston element and extending radially outwardly from radially inner ends by which they are coupled to the piston element to distal ends and adapted to be deflected radially inwardly to permit passage of an actuator member through the piston element and return to an unbiased position to capture the actuator member
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid soap dispenser having a permanent housing permitting simplified insertion and replacement of disposable fluid reservoirs. The housing includes an actuator assembly cycled by a lever between first and second positions. The actuator assembly is couple to a piston element of a piston pump carried on the reservoir so that when cycled, the piston element is actuated in sliding movement to dispense a quantity of fluid. The piston element includes resiliently deformable fingers which secure the piston element to the actuator assembly for sliding movement therewith. If, on insertion of a replacement reservoir, the reservoir is positioned uncoupled from the actuator assembly, on first cycling of the actuator assembly the fingers deform to permit movement of the actuator assembly relative to the piston element and move towards a coupled orientation. In the coupled orientation, the fingers return to an undeformed configuration securing the piston element to the actuator assembly.