Manually Operated Pump Unitary Assembly Dispensing Volume Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pumps require multiple types to be stocked to accommodate different fluid dispensing needs, and adjusting the dispensing amount involves replacing the entire pressurization/dispensing assembly, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A manually operated pump with a unitary assembly comprising a hollow stem, spring, and piston that can be easily assembled and adjusted, allowing for optimal and reliable dispensing without modifying the pressurization/dispensing assembly, using a ring to control the dispensing volume by varying the chamber size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire pressurization/dispensing assembly is replaced to vary the dispensing amount, then the dispensing volume can be adjusted, but the complexity and time required for assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing volume adjustmentVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurization/dispensing assembly is divided into a reusable base assembly and replaceable container components. The base assembly including the pump mechanism remains constant while only the container and its closure need to be changed to adjust dispensing parameters, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of dispensing volume by changing container configurations rather than replacing the entire pump assembly. This enables flexible adaptation to different dispensing requirements while keeping the core mechanism intact, reducing both complexity and assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of pumps are stocked to meet different market needs, then various dispensing requirements can be satisfied, but inventory complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarket requirement coverageVSAvoidinventory complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single base pump assembly is designed to work with multiple types of containers and closures, enabling one pump to serve multiple market requirements. This universal design eliminates the need to stock multiple pump types while still satisfying diverse dispensing needs, thereby reducing inventory complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the entire pressurization/dispensing assembly is replaced to reduce dispensing amount, then the dispensing volume can be controlled, but the time required for assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing volume controlVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the pump into a reusable base assembly and replaceable container components, the system allows quick adjustment of dispensing volume through simple container changes rather than complex assembly replacements, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining precise control over dispensing amounts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional engagement members or rings are used to couple the pressurization assembly to the container, then the assembly can be connected, but the assembly process is time-consuming and not optimized for speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly feasibilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, allowing the pump assembly to automatically adjust and secure itself to different container types without requiring time-consuming manual engagement of conventional members or rings, thereby increasing assembly speed while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables faster and simpler assembly of different pump types and adjustment of dispensing volume without replacing the assembly, ensuring consistent and reliable fluid dispensing across various containers.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (7), one end (7A) of which bears upon a projecting collar (5F), which is made of a single piece with the stem (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

said piston (6) being slidable in a fluid-tight way on the surface of a cylindrical portion of said first end (5A) of the hollow stem (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2480339B1Manually operated pump comprising an assembly for pressurization and dispensing of fluid
Publication Date: 2016.02.10 LUMSON SPA
  • EP2480339B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2480339B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2480339B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A manually operated pump for pressurized dispensing of a fluid product, designed to be fastened to the mouth (1) of a container (2) containing said product, wherein the ensemble of the stem (5), spring (7), piston (6), and retention element (11) form a unitary assembly (15) that can be coupled to cup-shaped body (3) of said pump. Said pump comprises also a member for connection (8) of said unitary assembly (15) to said cup-shaped body (3); wherein the connecton member (8) comprises a shaped portion (17B) for retention of the collar (5F) that projects from the stem (5), said portion preventing the exit of the stem (5) from the cup-shaped body (3) when said unitary assembly (15) is inserted into the cup-shaped body (3).