Refill Pouch Pump Structure for Complete, Leak-Safe Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for extracting contents from refill pouches face challenges such as incomplete extraction, risk of spilling, denaturation of contents, and contamination of fragrance due to inadequate pressure distribution and valve closure issues, especially when using pumps that rely on wall support for operation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a pump with a cylindrical housing space and laterally movable spindles to pressurize the contents, along with resiliently compressible pump walls and secure insertion-securing devices to ensure complete extraction without spilling or denaturation, utilizing the extraction port on the pouch without cutting the bottom and distributing the operational load away from the holding member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pump is attached to a wall surface and operated by pressing the operation button, then the contents can be extracted from the pouch, but the pressing force may cause the container or supporting member to become detached, leading to spilling or contamination of contents
Solution Approach 1:
A pressing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the operation button and the pump body. This pressing member has a pressing portion that contacts the pump body and a pressed portion that receives the pressing force from the operation button. The pressing member transmits the pressing force to the pump body while being removable, allowing the pump to be securely operated without requiring firm wall attachment, thus preventing spilling and contamination risks
2Volume of moving object
If the pump housing space is small and the pressurizing force is weak, then the pump can be compact, but the inlet-side valve cannot be completely closed, causing contents to return into the pouch and making complete extraction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve closure mechanism is improved by changing the parameters of the pressing force application. The pressing member applies focused pressing force to the outlet-side valve through the outlet opening, ensuring complete closure even in a compact pump housing. This parameter change in force application ensures reliable valve closure, preventing content return to the pouch and enabling complete extraction
3Productivity
If the pump operates by pressurizing the housing space, then contents can be extracted through the outlet valve, but the contents may solidify at the outlet valve portion and clog the outlet opening when not used for a long period
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet-side valve is designed with a valve opening structure that allows preliminary action of pressing the pressed portion of the pressing member to open the valve before actual content extraction. This preliminary opening action prevents solidified contents from clogging the outlet opening by maintaining periodic valve operation, ensuring the outlet remains clear even during extended non-use periods
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 allows for complete and secure extraction of contents, preventing leakage and contamination, while ensuring the apparatus is durable and reliable, with the ability to handle heavy pouches and maintain fragrance integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Two spindles are disposed in laterally spaced-apart relation at opposite ends of the pump body and are manually movable towards each other in the axial direction of the pump body to pressurize the housing space so that the contents can be extracted through the outlet-side valve
Implementation Method 2
The wall portion of the pump body is formed of resilient, flexible material by which the pump body can be manually squeezed to pressurize the housing space
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for extracting the contents from a refill pouch comprises a holding member for holding the pouch with its extraction port facing downward, and a pump attached to the extraction port of the pouch. The pump has a pump body defining a housing space having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, an inlet-side valve which communicates with the extraction port to open and close the inlet opening so that the contents can be introduced into the housing space from the pouch, and an outlet-side valve to open and close the outlet opening so that the contents in the housing space can be discharged through a nozzle that communicates with the outlet-side valve. The pump wall portion is constituted by a resiliently compressible, restorable and flexible material so that the contents in the housing space can be extracted through the nozzle by manually squeezing the pump wall portion thereby pressurizing the housing space.