Siphon Dosing Device with Vent System for Viscous Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing devices for liquids require frequent inversion of the container to deliver repeated doses, which can be inconvenient and strain the user, especially when dispensing viscous products.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device with a siphon member and vent system that allows for controlled dispensing and recharging of liquid at various angles without user intervention, using a cylindrical outlet and an elliptical or figure-of-eight siphon member to prevent leakage and ensure ergonomic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is inverted repeatedly to deliver repeated doses, then the dosing device can dispense liquid, but the user experiences strain and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The siphon member is designed with a flexible or adjustable configuration that can adapt to different orientations of the container. The siphon tube can bend or rotate to maintain proper positioning relative to the liquid level regardless of container orientation, enabling dosing in multiple positions without requiring complete inversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device is divided into separate functional components: a siphon member for liquid extraction, a vent system for air intake, and a dosing chamber. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the siphon member specifically designed to function at various angles while the vent system manages air flow to prevent leakage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the siphon member has a figure-of-eight or elliptical section, then the device can dispense at various angles, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The siphon member incorporates an asymmetric figure-of-eight or elliptical cross-section instead of a conventional circular section. This asymmetric geometry creates different flow characteristics that allow the siphon to function effectively at various orientations, with the elongated dimensions providing clearance and flow paths adapted for angled dispensing positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The siphon member's cross-sectional parameters are specifically optimized with figure-of-eight or elliptical geometry rather than circular. This parameter change in the cross-sectional shape allows the siphon to maintain proper liquid seal and flow characteristics across a range of angles, with the geometry providing both structural integrity and functional adaptability.
3Reliability
If the vent opening is positioned above L2, then air can enter to interrupt siphoning, but product leakage may occur through the vent
Solution Approach 1:
A one-way valve or check valve is positioned at or near the vent opening to act as an intermediary element. This valve allows air to enter the chamber through the vent opening to interrupt siphoning when needed, but prevents liquid from escaping through the same opening. The valve selectively permits air flow in one direction while blocking liquid flow in the opposite direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function of the vent opening (potential liquid leakage) is separated from its useful function (air intake for siphon control). By extracting the liquid-blocking function and assigning it to a separate one-way valve mechanism, the vent opening can fulfill its primary purpose of air intake without the risk of liquid escape, as the valve specifically prevents liquid passage.
4Ease of operation
If the device works without positive pressure, then it is self-dosing and ergonomic, but it cannot handle highly viscous products effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes pneumatic pressure differentials created by the siphon effect and vent system to drive liquid flow without requiring mechanical compression or positive pressure input. The siphon member creates negative pressure to draw liquid from the container, while the vent system manages atmospheric pressure to control dosing cycles, enabling hands-free operation that works with various viscosities through pressure differential rather than mechanical force.
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 efficient and ergonomic dispensing of liquid at various angles, including up to 45° inclination, without requiring positive pressure, ensuring consistent dosing and recharging of viscous products with viscosities up to 3 Pa.s, reducing user strain and preventing leakage.
Implementation Method 1
product is siphoned from the chamber into the outlet by the siphon member, the siphoning continuing until product in the chamber reaches L1
Implementation Method 2
air entering the vent opening interrupts the siphoning
Implementation Method 3
product flows into the chamber through the inlet and fills the chamber until L2 is reached
Data Source
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AI summary
A dosing device is provided and comprises: a dosing chamber having an inlet through which product can enter from a container; an outlet into which product flows from the chamber and through which product flows out of the device; a siphon member located around the outlet; a vent opening in the chamber; a container-side vent which opens into the container, in which: the siphon member terminates at a level L1 with respect to the outlet; the outlet opens into the chamber at a level L2; such that in use product flows into the chamber through the inlet/s and fills the chamber until L2 is reached and then product is siphoned from the chamber into the outlet by the siphon member, the siphoning continuing until product in the chamber reaches L1, whereupon: air entering the vent opening interrupts the siphoning; and air vents into the container through the container-side vent such that thereafter recharging of the chamber repeats, in which a chicane is provided for preventing leakage of product through the vent opening.