Refillable Fluid Dispenser with Dedicated Venting Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refillable fluid dispensers with fluid stored at atmospheric pressure face challenges in refilling without propellant gas, as air at atmospheric pressure hinders the introduction of new fluid, and existing solutions require dismantling the dispensing member for refilling.
Innovation Solution
A refillable fluid dispenser design featuring an inlet valve with a movable seat and elastic return mechanism, combined with a venting passage to allow air escape during refilling, enabling fluid introduction without dismantling the dispenser, using a blocking member to maintain the venting passage open for efficient filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dispensing element is permanently fixed to the reservoir, then the structural integrity and reliability of the dispenser is improved, but the ease of refilling deteriorates as the dispensing element cannot be removed for filling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the refilling function from the dispensing function by providing a dedicated refilling passage distinct from the dispensing outlet. This allows the dispensing element to remain permanently fixed while enabling refilling through a separate access path, thus maintaining both structural integrity and ease of refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The refilling passage acts as an intermediary channel that enables fluid introduction without requiring removal of the dispensing element. This intermediate structure resolves the conflict between permanent fixation and refilling accessibility by providing an alternate route for refilling operations.
2Reliability
If the reservoir is filled with air at atmospheric pressure, then the safety and simplicity of the dispenser is improved, but the ease of refilling deteriorates because air pressure prevents fluid from entering the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the venting function from the main dispensing system by providing a dedicated refilling passage that includes separate venting capabilities. This allows atmospheric pressure to be maintained in the reservoir for safety while enabling refilling through the specialized passage that manages pressure differential separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The refilling passage is designed with preliminary venting features that prepare the reservoir for fluid introduction by managing air displacement before and during the refilling process. This preliminary action of venting allows atmospheric pressure to be maintained while facilitating easy refilling.
3Ease of operation
If a vent passage is provided to allow air escape during refilling, then the ease of refilling is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the refilling passage with existing structural elements of the dispenser where possible, integrating the venting function into the overall design rather than adding completely separate components. This combination approach enables venting functionality while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The refilling passage is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the refilling channel and the venting passage, and can also serve as a seal engagement surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving ease of refilling without proportionally increasing 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
Enables single-operation refilling of the dispenser without venting issues, ensuring air escapes while fluid is introduced, allowing for easy and efficient filling without the need to maintain pressure or dismantle the dispensing member.
Implementation Method 1
a movable element actuated by elastic return means on this seat
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a fluid product dispenser comprising: a reservoir (10) for containing the fluid product at atmospheric pressure, said reservoir including an outlet (11); a dispensing member (4), such as a pump, mounted in the outlet (11) to draw and dispense the fluid product from the reservoir (10). The invention is characterized in that it further comprises: an intake valve (121, 13) for introducing the fluid product into the reservoir, said valve including a seat (121) and a mobile member (13) urged by elastic return means (14) on said seat; and a venting channel for communicating the inside of the reservoir with outside, the channel being provided with sealing means (15) mobile along an axis Z between an open position and a closed position.