Single-Polymer Reciprocating Pump for Viscous Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing all-polymer reciprocating pump designs struggle with dispensing viscous fluids like oils and creams, as they tend to adhere to the pump chamber, impeding piston operation and requiring unreliable sealing mechanisms to prevent leakage.
Innovation Solution
A novel all-polymer pump design featuring a sealing assembly where the piston/wiper element floats between upper and lower positions, utilizing parallel annular beads for sealing and an annular channel for enhanced contact, along with a robust axial locking mechanism between the push stem and closure cap, ensuring effective sealing and operation with viscous fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional all-polymer reciprocating pump designs are used, then the pump can be made entirely from polymeric materials for easy recycling, but viscous fluids adhere to the pump chamber and impede piston operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the pump chamber surface by introducing a smooth coating layer with different surface energy characteristics than the base polymer. This coating reduces the adhesion between viscous fluids and the pump chamber walls, allowing the piston to move freely without fluid residue buildup, while maintaining the all-polymer construction for recyclability.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional all-polymer reciprocating pump designs are used, then the pump can be made entirely from polymeric materials, but reliable sealing mechanisms are required to prevent leakage during shipment or handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite sealing structures combining multiple polymeric materials with complementary properties. The sealing assembly integrates a primary sealing element made from a soft, compliant polymer that deforms to fill gaps, combined with a secondary hard polymer support structure that maintains geometric stability. This multi-material composite approach achieves reliable sealing without compromising the all-polymer recyclable design.
3Force
If metallic biasing members are used in reciprocating pumps, then sufficient force is provided to operate the pump, but the pump cannot be easily recycled due to mixed materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the metallic mechanical spring biasing member with a polymeric biasing element that utilizes elastic deformation of a flexible polymer structure. This polymeric biasing member generates sufficient restoring force through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for metal components and enabling the entire pump assembly to be constructed from recyclable polymeric materials while maintaining adequate operating force.
4Device complexity
If the piston is fixed in position, then sealing is simplified, but the pump cannot dispense viscous fluids effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sealing system where the piston is allowed to float axially within defined limits rather than being fixed. The piston position is dynamically adjusted by the pressure differential across it and the elastic force of the polymeric biasing member. This dynamic positioning enables the piston to maintain effective sealing contact with the pump chamber walls while accommodating the varying pressure conditions required for dispensing viscous fluids.
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
The design effectively seals and operates with viscous fluids, preventing leakage and residue issues, while allowing for easy recycling as all components are made from a single grade of polymeric material.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible, metallic biasing member
Implementation Method 2
utilizing parallel annular beads for sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A reciprocating pump particularly well suited to dispensing oils, creams, and other viscous fluids is contemplated. All components of the pump are fabricated from a single polymer, such as polypropylene or high density polyethylene. The stem of the pump includes a three-piece sealing assembly with a piston that floats in response to the reciprocating action of the pump so as to selectively open or seal the dispensed fluid flow path, as well as return air provided to the internal volume of the container to which the pump is attached.