Soap Dispenser Pump Piston Flange for Self-Securing Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers require precise alignment and adjustment of the pump assembly to secure the reservoir, making the replacement process time-consuming and prone to operational errors, and the resilient members used for coupling often lose resiliency over time, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser design featuring a movable actuator assembly that automatically secures the reciprocally movable element upon initial activation, allowing for easy reservoir replacement without precise alignment and using resilient finger members that maintain coupling through deflection and bias, eliminating the need for precise positioning and reducing material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise alignment and adjustment of the pump assembly is required to secure the reservoir, then the reservoir can be securely coupled to the actuator assembly, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed to self-align and self-secure when the reservoir is inserted into the housing. The resilient finger members automatically engage with the actuator assembly through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for manual alignment or adjustment operations by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient finger members utilize elastic deformation (change in physical state) to transition from a relaxed state during insertion to a engaged state that secures the reservoir. This parameter change enables automatic coupling without precise manual positioning.
2Strength
If resilient metal fingers are used for coupling, then the coupling strength is sufficient, but the cost increases due to separate part assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient finger members are integrated into the pump assembly as a single molded component rather than separate metal parts. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate assembly operations and reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining coupling strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly is molded from plastic material that incorporates resilient finger members, creating a composite structure that provides both the structural integrity needed for coupling and the elastic properties for automatic engagement, while being manufacturable as a single piece.
3Ease of manufacture
If resilient plastic fingers are used for coupling, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the plastic must withstand a large number of cycles which requires expensive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly with resilient finger members is designed as a disposable component that is replaced with each reservoir. The resilient fingers only need to withstand a single coupling operation rather than repeated cycling, allowing the use of inexpensive plastic materials that would not survive long-term repeated use.
4Reliability
If the reservoir must be inserted in the correct dispensing position, then the movable element couples properly to the actuator assembly, but the replacement process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly automatically orients and couples itself to the actuator assembly when the reservoir is inserted into the housing. The resilient finger members self-align through elastic deformation, ensuring proper coupling without requiring the user to position the reservoir with precision or perform alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient finger members are designed to be dynamically flexible during insertion, allowing the pump assembly to adapt to slight variations in insertion position and automatically achieve proper alignment through elastic deformation, making the replacement process more forgiving and simpler for the user.
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 error-free reservoir replacement, ensuring consistent fluid dispensation and reducing the need for expensive materials by utilizing resilient finger members that only require minimal resiliency for a single coupling cycle.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient finger members being deflectable radially inwardly to permit movement of the actuator assembly into coupled engagement within the piston element
Implementation Method 2
the resilient finger members on assuming their unbiased condition capturing the actuator assembly to prevent its removal
Data Source
AI summary
A piston pump having a piston element slidable in a piston-chamber forming member with an outer end of a hollow stem of the piston element extending outwardly from the piston-chamber forming member. By relative reciprocal sliding of the piston element relative the piston-chamber forming member fluid is discharged out the outer end of the stem of the piston element. The piston element includes resiliently deformable fingers carried on the stem extending radially outwardly from the stem to distal ends which provide a radially remote portion which is resiliently deformable between an unbiased position and deflected portions. The remote end portion extends circumferentially about the stem to provide in the unbiased position an outer radial extent of a constant radius about the stem.