Sleeve Activated Dispensing Device Internal Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing devices for compressed foamable liquids face issues with residual foam expansion leading to unintended messes, as they require external components to seal the tube or have a rod extending through the barrel, which restricts flow and requires manual handling to avoid foam contamination.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing device with a hollow tube, connector, and plug that seals internally without external components, using a sleeve to control the plug's position and allow fluid flow, allowing automatic sealing by pressure from expanding foam without a spring, enabling remote operation and reduced manual contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rod extends through the barrel to seal from inside, then sealing capability is improved, but open volume inside the barrel is decreased and foam formulation flow is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidfoam formulation flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented from the foam flow path. The plug is confined to a restricted chamber at the distal end of the barrel, separating the sealing mechanism from the main foam formulation flow通道, thereby maintaining full flow capacity while achieving reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plug is positioned in a restricted chamber at the distal end of the barrel, utilizing the dimensional space at the exit rather than blocking the entire barrel length. This allows sealing action at the discharge point without obstructing the foam flow path through the barrel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If external components are used to seal the tube, then sealing capability is improved, but device complexity is increased and manual handling is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidexternal components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The expanding foam formulation itself serves as the sealing mechanism by pressing the plug against the channel walls. The system uses its own working fluid (foam) to achieve sealing, eliminating the need for external springs, cams, or other sealing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical sealing system (springs, cams, external actuators) is replaced by a foam-pressure-driven plug mechanism. The expanding foam generates the necessary force to press the plug into the sealing position, substituting complex mechanical systems with a simpler foam-pressure-based mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual handling is used to seal or unseal the tube, then sealing capability is improved, but risk of foam contamination to user is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidfoam contamination to user

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically seals and unseals using foam pressure and gravity without requiring user interaction at the discharge point. The plug is pushed into position by expanding foam and returns to its unsealed position when foam pressure is released, eliminating manual handling and associated contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical sealing operations are replaced by an automatic foam-pressure-driven system. The expanding foam itself provides the force to seal the channel, and gravity or pressure release provides the mechanism for unsealing, eliminating the need for users to manually handle the discharge end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Prevents residual foam expansion, maintains flow efficiency, and reduces manual handling risks of foam contamination by allowing internal sealing and remote operation without external components or springs.

Implementation Method 1

pressure from expanding foam formulation within a dispensing tube can automatically direct a plug to seal the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure from expanding foam: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8720747B2Sleeve activated compressed fluid dispensing device with internal seal

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 DDP SPECIALTY ELECTRONICS MATERIALS US LLC

AI summary

A dispensing device for dispensing compressed fluid from a can through a valve stem of the can has a hollow tube with a channel extending through it from an entrance end to an opposing dispensing end, a connector defining a conduit therethrough that is in fluid communication with the channel of the hollow tube and that attaches to a valve stem of a can, a plug located within the channel of the hollow tube that forms a sealing configuration within the channel when pressed towards the dispensing end of the channel, and a sleeve that wraps at least partially around the hollow tube and that has a protrusion that upon activating the sleeve extends through the dispensing end of the hollow tube and prevents the plug from establishing a sealing configuration with the hollow tube.