Trigger Dispensing Head Nozzle Assembly for Foam Persistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trigger dispensing devices struggle to effectively dispense and maintain foam on vertical and downward-facing surfaces, such as bathroom wall tiles and fixture edges, due to sliding or dripping issues, which affects sanitization and cleaning efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing head with a pre-compression valve and nozzle assembly that generates a high volume of foam with extended persistence time on surfaces, featuring a piston chamber, dispensing duct, and a foamer that mixes product with external air to create a stable foam, preventing dripping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional trigger dispensing devices are used, then the product can be dispensed, but the foam slides off or drips off vertical surfaces without remaining long enough for effective cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersistence time of foam on surfaceVSAvoidfoam stability on vertical surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the foam by adjusting the liquid-to-air ratio, foam cell size distribution, and foam density through specific nozzle geometry and compression ratios. These parameter changes create a foam with optimized viscosity and surface tension properties that adheres better to vertical surfaces and maintains persistence without dripping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-compression valve compresses the foam before it exits the nozzle, pre-establishing a denser, more stable foam structure. This preliminary compression action ensures that the foam maintains its volume and adhesion properties upon contact with vertical surfaces, preventing immediate sliding or dripping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the foam volume is increased to improve coverage, then more product is consumed and the foam becomes less stable, leading to increased dripping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoam volumeVSAvoiddrip rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates foam with non-uniform local properties by generating a bimodal distribution of foam cell sizes. Larger cells provide volume and coverage, while smaller cells provide structural stability and reduced drainage. This local quality variation allows high foam volume without proportionally increasing drip rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle assembly dynamically adjusts foam characteristics during dispensing by varying the compression ratio and air mixing ratio. This dynamic control allows the system to produce high-volume foam that maintains stability, preventing the direct proportionality between foam volume and drip rate that plagues conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4161704B1Trigger dispensing head with nozzle assembly
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 GUALA DISPENSING SPA
  • EP4161704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4161704B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4161704B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A dispensing head (8) with a trigger (10) for a dispensing device (1) comprises a frame (12), a piston chamber (16), a piston (18), a dispensing duct (22), a suction duct (34), pre-compression valve means, suction valve means, and a nozzle assembly (50) comprising a nozzle (52) and a dual chamber foamer (54). The head is particularly effective for dispensing products with a sanitizing and antimicrobial effect.