Split Engagement Flange for Self-Aligning Soap Dispenser Pump Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers require precise alignment and adjustment of the pump assembly to secure the reservoir, making replacement time-consuming and prone to operational failures if not correctly aligned.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pump design with a piston pump mechanism featuring resilient finger members circumferentially spaced around the movable element, allowing for easy coupling and uncoupling with the actuator assembly, enabling the reservoir to be inserted regardless of initial position, and securing the elements through a catch mechanism that couples during the first actuation cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise alignment and adjustment of the pump assembly is required to secure the reservoir, then the dispenser operates reliably, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient finger members automatically engage with the actuator assembly when the reservoir is inserted into the housing. The system self-aligns and secures itself without requiring manual adjustment or precise positioning, eliminating the time-consuming alignment step while maintaining secure coupling for reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient finger members change their physical state from a deflected position (when uncoupled) to an engaged position (when coupled with the actuator assembly). This parameter change allows the system to transition from an open, easily insertable state to a locked, securely coupled state automatically upon insertion
2Reliability
If precise alignment and adjustment is required to couple the pump assembly to the actuator assembly, then the coupling is secure, but the operation becomes complex and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient finger members automatically engage with the actuator assembly when the reservoir is inserted into the housing. The system self-aligns and secures itself without requiring manual adjustment or precise positioning, eliminating the time-consuming alignment step while maintaining secure coupling for reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient finger members are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing them to deflect and conform to the actuator assembly's position. This dynamic capability enables automatic engagement without precise pre-alignment, making the coupling process simple while ensuring secure connection
3Duration of action of stationary object
If resilient fingers are made of resilient metal to retain resiliency over extended periods, then the resiliency is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases due to separate parts assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plastic material with inherent resiliency to manufacture the finger members, integrating them directly into the reservoir body. This composite approach eliminates the need for separate metal resilient parts and complex assembly processes, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the required resiliency duration for the disposable application
4Ease of manufacture
If resilient fingers are made of plastic to reduce manufacturing cost, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the plastic must withstand resiliency over a large number of cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The finger members are designed as disposable plastic components integrated into the reservoir. Since the reservoir is replaced after a single use or limited cycles, the plastic finger members only need to maintain resiliency for this short duration, making the disposable design economically viable and manufacturing-wise simple
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
Facilitates easy and precise replacement of the reservoir without requiring precise alignment, ensuring the dispenser operates correctly and eliminates premature fluid dispensation or leakage, as the resilient members ensure secure coupling without the need for complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
resilient finger members circumferentially spaced about the movable element and extending from a radially inner end to a distal end for deflection by relative axial movement of the movable element and the actuator mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid soap dispenser is disclosed having a permanent housing which permits simplified insertion and replacement of disposable fluid reservoirs. The housing includes an actuator assembly which is cycled by a lever between first and second positions. The actuator assembly is configured to couple to a piston element of a piston pump carried on the reservoir so that when cycled, the piston element is actuated in sliding movement to dispense a quantity of fluid. The piston element includes resiliently deformable fingers which act to secure the piston element to the actuator assembly for sliding movement therewith. If, on insertion of a replacement reservoir, the reservoir is positioned uncoupled from the actuator assembly, on first cycling of the actuator assembly the fingers deform to permit movement of the actuator assembly relative to the piston element and move towards a coupled orientation. In the coupled orientation, the fingers return to an undeformed configuration securing the piston element to the actuator assembly.