Slit Valve Nozzle Tip for Clog-Resistant Fluid Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispenser valves, particularly those with ball and spring check valves, tend to clog when used with liquid products containing particulate matter or highly viscous liquids, and existing solutions like ultrasonic welding are costly and prone to issues like stress cracks and excessive weld flash.
Innovation Solution
A resiliently flexible cross-slit valve assembly with a vent-resisting member and a perforated baffle is used, where the valve head includes slits forming an orifice and a peripheral flange retained on an annular protrusion within the nozzle, providing a secure and cost-effective solution that prevents fluid backflow and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball and spring check valve is used in the dispenser, then the valve can effectively prevent backflow, but it tends to clog when used with liquid products containing particulate matter or highly viscous liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is segmented with multiple slits (first slit, second slit, etc.) instead of a single opening, allowing particulate matter to pass through multiple smaller pathways rather than blocking a single larger opening, thus preventing clogging while maintaining backflow prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member has different local properties - the slits provide flow pathways while the body provides structural support and sealing surfaces. The selective engagement of slits based on pressure conditions allows fine-tuned control over flow and backflow prevention
2Strength
If ultrasonic welding is used to attach the valve member to the nozzle, then strong bonding is achieved, but it is costly and prone to issues like stress cracks and excessive weld flash
Solution Approach 1:
The complex ultrasonic welding process is extracted and replaced with a simpler mechanical retention system using annular protrusions and grooves. The valve member is retained through geometric interlocking features that can be easily molded into the nozzle, eliminating the need for secondary welding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The retention features (annular protrusions and grooves) are integrated directly into the nozzle molding process, combining the nozzle formation and valve retention mechanisms into a single manufacturing step, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost
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 solution effectively prevents clogging and backflow, reduces production costs, and maintains the integrity of the dispenser valve assembly, ensuring reliable operation with various liquid products.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently flexible valve member (1240) having a valve head portion (1242) and a peripheral valve portion (1244)
Implementation Method 2
A vent-resisting member (1254) is received within the conduit (1236) and includes a perforated baffle (1256)
Data Source
AI summary
An outlet valve assembly for fluid dispenser of a type having a pump which has a pump inlet coupled to a fluid reservoir and a pump outlet includes a pump tip having a first end adapted to be coupled to the pump outlet and a second end defining a conduit extending in a flow direction therebetween. A first annular protrusion extends radially inwardly within the conduit and a resiliently deformable valve member is received within the conduit. The valve member includes a valve head portion having one or more slits defining an orifice and a peripheral valve portion bounding the valve head portion, which is retained on the first annular protrusion. A vent-resisting member is received within the conduit and includes a perforated baffle adjacent to the upstream side of the valve head portion and an axially-extending sidewall which has a distal edge engaging the peripheral valve portion.