Pump Housing Vent Valve for Leak-Safe Refill Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refill units for liquid dispensers, especially those with collapsible containers, face leakage issues due to vacuum pressure when liquid is pumped out, as they lack effective venting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a non-collapsible container with a pump housing featuring an air chamber, vent valve, and air passageways to prevent container collapse by allowing air to flow in and maintain structural integrity, using a compressible liquid pump chamber and strategically positioned inlet and outlet valves to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a vent is provided in the bottom of the container to allow air flow, then container collapse is prevented, but leakage problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
A valve mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the container interior and exterior. The valve selectively controls air flow to prevent container collapse while blocking liquid leakage, resolving the contradiction between maintaining container shape and preventing leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system transitions from a static open vent to a dynamic valve mechanism that automatically opens and closes based on pressure differential. The valve responds to vacuum conditions by opening to allow air in, then closes to prevent leakage, providing adaptive control.
2Ease of operation
If a collapsible container is used in an inverted refill unit, then the pump can be located under the container, but the container collapses due to vacuum pressure when liquid is pumped out
Solution Approach 1:
A valve mechanism is introduced as an intermediary to control air flow into the container. The valve opens when vacuum pressure develops during pumping, allowing air to enter and equalize pressure, preventing container collapse while maintaining the inverted configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system operates autonomously based on pressure differential. When the pump creates vacuum pressure, the valve automatically opens to allow air in, then closes when pressure equalizes, requiring no external control or additional components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If air passageways are provided in the collar to allow air flow to the air chamber, then container collapse is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air passageways are integrated into the collar structure that already exists for securing the pump housing to the container. The collar serves dual functions: mechanical attachment and air flow passage, eliminating the need for separate venting components and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical fastening element and as an air passage structure. The air passageways are formed within or as part of the collar, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions and reducing device complexity.
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
This solution prevents container collapse and leakage by allowing air to enter the container, maintaining its shape and ensuring efficient dispensing of liquid, whether in its original or foamed form, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and ease of replacement.
Implementation Method 1
as liquid is pumped out of the container, a vacuum is created in the container and the vacuum pressure collapses the container because air does not flow into the container to replace the liquid
Implementation Method 2
A piston is provided that is movable within the sleeve... A compressible liquid pump chamber is also located in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of pumps, refill units and dispensers are disclosed herein. Some embodiments include a container for holding a fluid and a pump housing secured to the container. The pump housing includes an annular collar for securing the pump housing to the container. The pump housing includes an air chamber and a vent valve located at least partially within the air chamber. One or more air passageways are provided in the collar for providing air to the air chamber. A compressible liquid pump chamber is also located in the housing. The exemplary embodiment includes a liquid inlet valve for allowing liquid to flow from the container into the compressible pump chamber; and a liquid outlet valve located downstream of the pump chamber.