Vacuum Foam Pump Mixing for Consistent Automated Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensers struggle to efficiently dispense foamable liquids in a controlled manner, as they often require manual operation and lack effective mechanisms for mixing liquid and air to create a consistent foam output.
Innovation Solution
A foam pump system with a chamber that utilizes vacuum pressure to draw liquid and pressurized air to mix with the liquid, passing the liquid air mixture through a media to create a consistent foam output, integrated with a refill unit and dispenser system that includes sensors and circuitry for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation is used for liquid dispensing, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and consistency of foam output deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect user presence and automatically activates the vacuum pump and air compressor, allowing the dispenser to serve itself without manual operation. The liquid is automatically drawn from the container and mixed with air to produce foam, eliminating the need for manual pumping or activation while maintaining high productivity and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated system using sensors, vacuum pumps, and air compressors. The mechanical action of manually dispensing liquid is substituted with a vacuum-driven liquid transfer system and an automated air mixing system, improving productivity and foam consistency while adding device complexity.
2Productivity
If vacuum pressure is applied to draw liquid into chamber, then mixing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vacuum pressure (pneumatic principle) to draw liquid from the container into the mixing chamber. This pneumatic mechanism efficiently transfers liquid and mixes it with pressurized air, improving mixing efficiency and foam production while the added complexity is managed through integrated system design.
3Productivity
If automated operation with sensors and circuitry is implemented, then productivity and consistency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser incorporates sensors and control circuitry that enable automated operation. The system detects user presence, automatically activates the vacuum pump and air compressor, and controls the foam dispensing process without manual intervention, significantly improving productivity and consistency despite increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect user presence and provides feedback to the control circuitry, which then activates or deactivates the vacuum pump and air compressor accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent foam production and efficient operation while managing device complexity through intelligent control.
4Reliability
If liquid inlet valve is added to prevent liquid from exiting through inlet, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid inlet valve as a separate component to control liquid flow direction. This valve prevents liquid from exiting through the inlet by closing when vacuum pressure is applied, improving reliability of the liquid transfer system. The valve is integrated into the existing structure to minimize additional complexity.
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 system enables efficient and automated dispensing of foamable liquids, ensuring consistent foam production and reducing manual intervention, while allowing for easy refilling and maintenance of the dispenser.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum pump applies a negative pressure to the vacuum outlet port
Implementation Method 2
the air pump applies a positive pressure to the air pressure port
Implementation Method 3
forcing pressurized air into the chamber to mix with the liquid; and forcing the pressurized liquid air mixture through a mix media
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of foam pumps, refill units and dispenser systems are disclosed herein. Some embodiments have a foam pump that includes a chamber having a liquid inlet, a vacuum outlet, a pressurized air inlet and a liquid air mixture outlet. An exemplary foam pump includes a liquid inlet valve to allow liquid to enter the chamber and to prevent liquid from exiting the chamber through the liquid inlet. Vacuum pressure applied to the vacuum outlet causes fluid to flow through the liquid inlet, past the liquid inlet valve and into the chamber. Pressurized air flows through the pressurized air inlet and mixes with the liquid and the liquid air mixture is forced out of the liquid air mixture outlet. The foam pump includes a mix media. The liquid air mixture flows through the mix media and flows through an outlet to be dispensed as a foam.