Two-Body Dispensing Device for One-Handed Flexible Container Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for flexible containers, such as those used in Bag-in-Box solutions, are complex with numerous components, difficult to use, and often require both hands for operation, leading to challenges in ease of use and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a simplified design comprising two main components - a first hollow body and a second movable body - that can be translated to open and close, allowing for one-handed operation and reduced component count, featuring a plugging portion to control flow through channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dispensing devices with multiple components are used, then the device can provide reliable product flow control, but the device complexity increases and becomes difficult to manufacture and dispose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional components (valve body, plunger, spring, cap) into an integrated dispensing device where the housing (130) incorporates the valve body, the movable closure element (140) serves as the plunger, and the resilient member (160) provides the spring function. This merging reduces component count while maintaining flow control reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing (130) serves multiple functions: it acts as the valve body, provides structural support, contains the resilient member (160), and integrates the product flow path. The movable closure element (140) simultaneously functions as the plunger for product displacement and the interface for user actuation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining reliable dispensing.
2Reliability
If lever systems or rotating taps are used for operation, then product dispensing can be controlled, but the ease of operation deteriorates as both hands are required
Solution Approach 1:
The movable closure element (140) is designed to translate linearly along the longitudinal axis upon user actuation, dynamically opening the product flow path. This simple translational motion requires only one hand to operate, eliminating the need for complex lever systems or rotating taps that require two hands, while still providing reliable product dispensing control.
3Ease of operation
If elastic return elements are added to automatically close the valve, then the device can return to closed position automatically, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member (160) is integrated within the housing (130) structure, combining the return spring function with the existing valve body. This integration provides automatic return to closed position without adding separate external spring assemblies or complex mounting mechanisms, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving automatic closure.
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 simplifies operation, reduces component complexity, and facilitates disposal while maintaining ease of use, even with flexible containers, by using a push-pull mechanism for opening and closing.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member (160) suited to bias said movable closure element (140) towards said opened configuration
Implementation Method 2
a sealing element (150) arranged to seal between said movable closure element (140) and said hollow body (130)
Implementation Method 3
During the opening step, the product is dispensed by gravity through the lower mouth of the device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention concerns a dispensing device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520) for a container (12). The device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520) comprises an outlet mouth (22) for the product to be dispensed and comprises a first hollow body (24) suited to define a first passage channel (26) for the product and a second body (32; 232; 532) that is movable with respect to the first body (24) and can be positioned in a first position suitable for closing the device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520) and in at least one second position suitable for dispensing the product from the outlet mouth (22). The outlet mouth (22) is defined in the second body (32; 232; 532) and the outlet mouth (22) communicates with a second passage channel (34) for the product defined in the second body (32; 232; 532). The second body (32; 232; 532) comprises a plugging portion (36; 536) suited to close the first passage channel (26) of the first body (24) when the second body (32; 232; 532) is in the first closing position and suited to open the first passage channel (26) when the second body (32; 232; 532) is in the second position.