Trigger Dispensing Head Sealing Structure for Leak Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trigger dispensing devices face issues with product leakage, particularly through the venting duct and valve chamber, especially under non-optimal storage conditions, and existing solutions are complex to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing head with a sleeve and valve element that forms a seal against leakage, incorporating adjustable flow valves and mechanical seals, using materials like polypropylene and elastically deformable EVA or LDPE to prevent product loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a venting duct is provided to allow air entry during suction, then the suction function is improved, but product leakage through the venting duct occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction functionVSAvoidproduct leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different functional zones within the venting duct system. The venting duct is divided into a suction portion that allows air entry during suction operations, and a venting portion that allows controlled venting while preventing product leakage. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring each zone performs its specific function appropriately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary sealing mechanism at the interface between the venting duct and the valve chamber. A sealing member is provided that selectively seals this interface during venting operations to prevent product leakage, while allowing the duct to remain open during suction operations for proper air entry. This intermediary sealing element resolves the contradiction between maintaining openness for suction and preventing leakage during venting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If existing sealing systems with moving components are used, then product leakage is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct leakage preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sealing function into distinct, simple components rather than using complex moving mechanisms. The sealing member is divided into a first sealing portion that seals the interface between the venting duct and valve chamber, and a second sealing portion that seals the interface between the valve element and valve chamber. This segmentation allows each sealing portion to be simple and easy to manufacture while collectively providing effective leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, easily manufacturable sealing members that can be integrated into the molding process rather than requiring complex assembly of moving components. These sealing members are designed to be simple geometric shapes that can be produced through injection molding, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective sealing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the dispensing head is stored upside down or in oversized boxes, then storage flexibility is improved, but product leakage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidproduct leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing sealing members that are pre-positioned to prevent product leakage before storage conditions become problematic. The sealing member is configured to seal the interface between the venting duct and valve chamber, and between the valve element and valve chamber, creating a preliminary barrier against leakage that remains effective regardless of storage orientation or conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the sealing system to compensate for non-optimal storage conditions before they can cause leakage. The sealing member provides a protective barrier that cushions against the harmful effects of upside-down storage or oversized box storage, maintaining product containment integrity throughout various storage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 dispensing head provides a reliable seal against product leakage, ensuring efficient operation even under less than optimal conditions, with a simplified design that reduces manufacturing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

valve element (200) that is accommodated, at least partially, in the valve compartment (25') and made from an elastically deformable material, for example EVA (ethyl-vinyl-acetate) or LDPE (low-density polyethylene), in order to form a seal against losses of product from the valve compartment (25')

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4561761B1Trigger dispensing head
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 GUALA DISPENSING SPA
  • EP4561761B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4561761B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4561761B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

A trigger dispensing head (1) for a dispensing device (100) comprising a frame (12), a cylinder wall (14) that delimits a cylinder chamber (16), a sleeve (30) inserted into the cylinder chamber (16), a dispensing duct, a suction duct and valve means for adjusting the flow of the product to be dispensed. The valve means comprise a valve element (200) having a support wall (220) made from an elastically deformable material that is engaged between the sleeve (30) and the cylinder wall (14) in order to form a seal against leakage of the product.