Trigger Dispenser Valve Element Segmentation for Leak Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trigger dispenser devices have a 'weak' delivery valve that tends to open and leak liquid at low pressure levels, leading to inefficiencies in liquid dispensing.

Innovation Solution

A manual dispenser device with a single valve element that integrates suction, delivery, and sealing functions, featuring a flexible valve element with a primary suction duct, vent duct, and elastic components to ensure effective liquid control and sealing, preventing backflow and ensuring efficient dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single valve element integrates multiple functions (suction, delivery, sealing), then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the delivery valve becomes weak and leaks at low pressure levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve structure complexityVSAvoiddelivery valve sealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single valve element is divided into functionally independent zones: a suction zone with a suction duct and suction valve, a delivery zone with a delivery duct and delivery valve, and a sealing zone with sealing lips. Each zone operates independently with its own sealing mechanism, allowing the delivery valve to maintain reliable sealing without being compromised by the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the valve element have specialized properties: the delivery valve region has a specific geometry and sealing surface configuration optimized for pressure resistance, while the suction region has different characteristics. This local optimization ensures that the delivery valve maintains strong sealing performance at its specific location within the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If the valve element integrates suction and delivery functions in a single component, then ease of manufacture is improved, but liquid backflow prevention becomes less effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve component manufacturingVSAvoidbackflow prevention reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve element incorporates distinct suction and delivery pathways with separate sealing mechanisms. The suction valve and delivery valve are functionally separated within the same component, allowing each to perform its backflow prevention function independently and effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing lip acts as an intermediary element between the suction and delivery zones, providing an additional barrier that prevents liquid backflow while maintaining the integrated structure. This intermediary sealing mechanism enhances backflow prevention without requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device achieves efficacious dispensing by maintaining seal integrity and preventing liquid return, concentrating multiple valve functions in a single component while ensuring reliable operation across varying pressure levels.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible flange (19), projecting radially from the suction duct (8), made in elastic material, having a predefined limited angular extension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The flexible flange (19) is suitable, together with the obturator (18), to resist the liquid flow in order to maintain seal integrity and prevent liquid return

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2643095B1Trigger dispenser device
Publication Date: 2015.07.01 GUALA DISPENSING SPA
  • EP2643095B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2643095B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2643095B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A trigger dispenser device for a liquid provides an integral valve element (2) comprising a suction duct (8) and at least one flexible suction lip (10a) to obstruct the suction duct during the dispensing phase, and an annular obturator (18) and a flexible flange (19) supporting it, for opening the pressure chamber (24) toward the dispenser duct (30) during the dispensing phase.