Refillable Fluid Dispenser with Segmented Pump and Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid substance dispensing devices are typically disposable and require complex refilling processes, leading to waste and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A refillable fluid substance dispensing device with a modular design, where the outer container can be separated from the pump and inner container, allowing for easy refilling and reuse of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the device is designed as disposable, then manufacturing and disposal are simple, but it causes waste and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of device disposalVSAvoidwaste of container and pump components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separable modules: an outer container, an inner container, and a pump assembly. The inner container can be removed and replaced independently, allowing the outer container and pump to be reused. This segmentation enables selective replacement of only the consumable inner container while preserving valuable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a system where the inner container is designed for disposal after use, while the outer container and pump are recovered and reused. The outer container includes a threaded opening that accepts replacement inner containers, facilitating the discard-recover cycle and reducing overall waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Loss of substance

If the device allows refilling, then it reduces waste, but the refilling process becomes complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of wasteVSAvoiddifficulty of refilling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The refilling operation is simplified by segmenting the container system into an outer container and a removable inner container. Users can easily remove the inner container and replace it with a pre-filled replacement container, avoiding complex manual refilling procedures while achieving waste reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables users to perform their own refilling operation by simply replacing the inner container through the threaded opening. The self-contained inner container with integrated seal and dispensing mechanism allows users to refill or replace contents without requiring technical expertise or complex tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of substance

If the container is made separable for reuse, then it enables refilling and reduces waste, but it increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of wasteVSAvoidcomplexity of modular structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer container is designed with a threaded opening and internal sealing structures that provide separable yet reliable connection. This segmentation enables the inner container to be removed and replaced while maintaining structural integrity and sealing effectiveness, achieving reuse capability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer container is designed with universal features including a standardized threaded opening that accepts different inner container configurations, a pump assembly that can handle various fluid types, and a sealing system that works with multiple container designs. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by using standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of substance

If the pump is made reusable, then it reduces waste, but it increases the risk of malfunction during refilling operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of pump wasteVSAvoidrisk of pump malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump assembly is extracted and separated from the inner container, forming an independent reusable component mounted on the outer container. This extraction protects the pump from contamination and damage during inner container replacement operations, reducing malfunction risk while enabling pump reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump assembly includes pre-installed sealing elements and protective features that prevent contamination and damage during the refilling and replacement process. The threaded connection system and sealing mechanisms are designed beforehand to protect the pump from malfunction during repeated inner container changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250108395A1Device for dispensing a fluid substance

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 LUMSON SPA

AI summary

A device for dispensing a fluid substance comprising an outer container (2) to which a collar (3) is fastened removably, a pump (4) fastened stably to the collar (3), an inner container (5) housing a deformable bag (6) therewithin, the inner container (5) featuring a neck (5A) equipped with first means (7) for connection to the collar (3) configured to cooperate with second means (8) for connecting the collar (3) so as to removably fix the inner container (5) to the collar (3), the collar (3) and the outer container (2) being fastened removably by means of a tubular element (9) endowed with a plurality of first fins (9A) which secure the collar (3) to the tubular element (9) and second fins (9B) which secure the outer container (2) to the tubular element (9).