Two-liquid dispensing systems, refills and two-liquid pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems struggle to effectively dispense mixtures of multiple liquids in a foamy form, as they often fail to efficiently combine and expand the liquids to create a consistent foam output.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a refill unit with two containers and pump chambers, a flexible membrane forming a variable volume mixing chamber, and an outlet nozzle, where the liquids are drawn into and compressed through inlet and outlet valves to mix and expand, forming a foam that is dispensed through the nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing liquid dispensing systems are used to dispense multiple liquids, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to efficiently mix and expand liquids into consistent foam is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is divided into separate functional modules: first pump chamber for liquid A, second pump chamber for liquid B, mixing chamber for combination, and foam generation chamber for expansion. Each chamber has dedicated inlet/outlet valves, allowing independent control of each liquid's flow while achieving complex foam dispensing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested chamber structure where the first and second pump chambers are positioned adjacent to each other, both connected to a common mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is then connected to the foam generation chamber, creating a nested arrangement where smaller functional units are integrated within a larger system architecture
2Productivity
If multiple liquids are mixed and expanded to form foam, then the foam output quality and quantity improve, but the complexity of mixing and expansion mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by introducing compressed air into the foam generation chamber to expand the liquid mixture into foam. The system uses pressure differential created by the actuator's reciprocating motion to draw liquids through inlet valves, mix them, and then force the mixture through outlet valves into the foam generation chamber where air injection creates the foam expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the volume of the mixing chamber and foam generation chamber through the actuator's reciprocating motion. During the expansion stroke, chambers expand to draw in liquids and air; during the compression stroke, chambers compress to force liquids through valves and generate foam. This parameter change enables efficient mixing and foam generation without complex additional mechanisms
3Productivity
If pump chambers expand to draw liquid in, then liquid intake efficiency improves, but the mechanism for controlling liquid flow through valves becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet and outlet valves are designed as passive check valves that automatically open and close based on pressure differential. During chamber expansion, lower internal pressure causes inlet valves to open and outlet valves to close, allowing liquid intake. During compression, pressure reversal automatically closes inlet valves and opens outlet valves, enabling liquid discharge. The pressure differential self-regulates valve operation without requiring external control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator performs reciprocating periodic motion, alternating between expansion and compression strokes. Each complete cycle draws in a measured volume of liquid through the inlet valves during expansion, then forces it out through outlet valves during compression. This periodic action ensures consistent liquid intake and discharge volumes with each cycle
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
This configuration allows for the efficient mixing and dispensing of multiple liquids, forming a consistent foam output by expanding and compressing the mixing chamber, which enhances the quality and quantity of the foam produced.
Implementation Method 1
The variable volume mixing chamber is formed at least in part by a flexible membrane. Expanding the first and second pump chambers draws liquid into the first and second pump chambers through the liquid inlet valves and compressing the first and second pump chambers forces liquid out through the liquid outlet valves
Implementation Method 2
compressing the first and second pump chambers forces liquid out through the liquid outlet valves into a mixing chamber located downstream of the liquid outlet valves
Implementation Method 3
Mixing the first liquid with the second liquid causes the mixture of the first liquid and the second liquid to form a foam
Implementation Method 4
When the liquids from the first and second containers mix together, they form a mixture that expands to form a foam that is dispensed out of an outlet nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of dispensing systems for dispensing mixtures of multiple liquids, refill units and pumps for such refill units and dispensers are disclosed herein. One refill unit includes a first container and a second container. The refill unit includes a first pump chamber that is associated with the first container and a second pump chamber that is associated with the second container. The first and second pump chambers include a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. Expanding the first and second pump chambers draws liquid into the first and second pump chambers through the liquid inlet valves and compressing the first and second pump chambers forces liquid through the liquid outlet valves into a mixing chamber located downstream of the liquid outlet valves. The mixing chamber is formed at least in part by a flexible membrane. The refill unit also includes an outlet nozzle for dispensing the mixture.