Spray Pump Elastic Member Material Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic containers with spray pumps have complex structures and are difficult to recycle, particularly due to the use of metallic springs, which do not align with the growing demand for environmentally friendly and easily recyclable products.
Innovation Solution
A pump with a simplified structure formed from the same material, using an elastic member made from plastic resin or silicone instead of metallic springs, allowing for easier fabrication and recycling, comprising a housing, guide, piston, valve, shoulder, and elastic member that can be formed as an integrated body with deformation portions for elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic springs are used in the pump mechanism, then the pump can provide reliable elastic force for operation, but the container becomes difficult to recycle due to material incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the elastic member from metallic spring to plastic resin or silicone, transforming it from a metal component to a polymer-based component that can be recycled with the container. This material substitution maintains the elastic functionality while enabling recyclability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes all components of the pump (housing, guide, piston, valve, and elastic member) formed from the same material, creating a homogeneous structure that can be processed and recycled together as a single material type, eliminating the need for material separation during recycling.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used in the pump, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall structure becomes complicated and difficult to fabricate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (housing, guide, piston, valve, and elastic member) into a single integrated body formed from one piece of material. This consolidation maintains all necessary functional elements while eliminating the complexity of assembly and fabrication of multiple separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated body serves multiple functions simultaneously - the housing provides structural containment, the guide directs movement, the piston creates pressure, the valve controls flow, and the elastic member provides restoring force. All these functions are embodied in a single multi-functional component.
3Reliability
If different materials are used for various pump components, then each component can be made from the most suitable material for its function, but the manufacturing cost increases and recycling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same material (plastic resin or silicone) for all components of the pump, creating a homogeneous structure. This single-material approach simplifies manufacturing processes, reduces the need for multiple material handling operations, and enables easy recycling, while the material is selected to satisfy all functional requirements.
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 simplified structure reduces manufacturing costs and facilitates recycling, while maintaining effective liquid dispensing functionality, addressing the environmental concerns and complexity issues of conventional pumps.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member having one end contacting the shoulder and the other end contacting the valve to provide an elastic force for pushing the valve upward, where the elastic member can include a center portion and deformation portions formed on both ends of the center portion such that the elastic member is capable of elastic deformation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A pump (100) for spraying a liquid according to one aspect of the invention can include a housing (150) having an interior space (154) for holding a content; a guide (120) that moves up and down within the interior space (154) and has an inlet hole (126) connecting with the interior space (154); a piston (130) that moves with the guide (120) while maintaining contact with the housing (150) and the guide (120) and is capable of closing the inlet hole (126); a valve (110) coupled to and connecting with the guide (120) and protruding to the exterior of the housing (150); a shoulder (140) coupled to an upper portion of the housing (150); and an elastic member (170) having one end contacting the shoulder (140) and the other end contacting the valve (110) to provide an elastic force pushing the valve (110) upward, where the elastic member (170) can include a center portion (176) and deformation portions (172) formed as an integrated body such that the elastic member (170) is capable of elastic deformation.