A trigger-type dispensing head for a dispensing device for pasty products such as toothpastes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toothpaste dispensers, particularly those using plastic materials, face challenges in effectively dispensing pasty products, especially with regard to suction and environmental sustainability.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser design featuring a container tube and dispensing head made from polyolefin-based plastics, incorporating a suction valve system with deformable caps and valves, ensuring effective product dispensing and suction phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a trigger mechanism is added to control dispensing, then dosing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing head is divided into functionally independent modules: a trigger mechanism for controlled actuation, a piston for dose delivery, and a valve system for flow control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system accuracy and manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger mechanism is designed to automatically reset after actuation, and the piston-return mechanism self-primers the chamber for the next dose without requiring additional user actions or complex control systems. This self-service capability maintains dosing accuracy while minimizing the complexity of control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the dispensing head can be detached and replaced, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential improper reassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement convenienceVSAvoidassembly reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface between the dispensing head and handle employs asymmetric geometry with specific engagement features that allow assembly in only one correct orientation. This asymmetric design ensures reliable reassembly after detachment while maintaining the ease of replacement, as users cannot incorrectly assemble the components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing head contains nested components where the piston assembly is housed within the valve body, and the entire assembly nests within the handle when attached. This nested structure provides natural alignment and positioning features that ensure reliable reassembly while keeping the replacement process simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If the piston is pre-assembled with the valve body, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston and valve body are pre-assembled as an integrated unit during manufacturing with precise alignment and sealing surfaces already established. This preliminary assembly ensures high manufacturing precision for the critical dosing components while allowing the overall device to remain relatively simple in structure and easy to replace as a complete unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4313426B1A trigger-type dispensing head for a dispensing device for pasty products such as toothpastes
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 GUALA DISPENSING SPA
  • EP4313426B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4313426B1 patent drawingFigure 3a
  • EP4313426B1 patent drawingFigure 3b

AI summary

A dispenser (1) for pasty products such as toothpastes comprises a fixed head (40) having a dispensing duct (42) dispensing the product, a pump (28) with an elastically deformable cap (54), a manually-actuated actuator (80), a separating wall (24) with a suction inlet (24a), and a suction valve that cooperates with the delivery outlet (24a). The suction valve comprises a valve body (73) and a plurality of tabs (77', 77'') that bend and open the suction inlet (24a) in the product suction phase, and close the suction inlet (24a) in the product dispensing phase.