Vent Flange with Transpiratory Membrane for Liquid Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices with mechanical vents are only active during specific functioning phases, leading to vapor buildup and potential bulging in containers, and existing solutions for always-active ventilation are not suitable for devices with a container and dispensing head combination.
Innovation Solution
A passive vent system with a vent flange and a method for applying a multi-layered transpiratory membrane, such as Gore-Tex, to the flange, which allows for continuous ventilation independent of the device's functioning configuration, preventing liquid leakage while allowing vapor passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical vent system is used in dispensing devices, then ventilation function is provided during dispensing phase, but the vent is not active during other functioning phases leading to vapor buildup and container bulging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the continuity principle by implementing a vent system that remains active throughout all phases of device operation, not just during dispensing. The vent flange with transpiratory membrane provides continuous vapor escape pathways, ensuring ventilation function is maintained whether the device is dispensing, idle, or in any other state, thereby preventing vapor buildup and container bulging across the entire operational cycle.
2Reliability
If a passive vent system with transpiratory membrane is applied to the vent flange, then continuous ventilation is achieved independent of device configuration, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex requiring specialized membrane application methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the transpiratory membrane onto the vent flange in a controlled manufacturing environment before final device assembly. This preliminary membrane application allows for optimized manufacturing processes and quality control, while the resulting pre-assembled vent unit can then be easily integrated into the final dispensing device, balancing manufacturing complexity with continuous ventilation reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the vent wall projects radially from the annular wall, then membrane application is facilitated, but the radial projection increases the overall dimensions of the vent flange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by orienting the vent wall substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the annular wall. This perpendicular orientation creates a flat surface that facilitates membrane application while minimizing radial projection. The vent wall extends in the axial direction rather than radially, thereby achieving ease of manufacture without significantly increasing the overall radial dimensions of the vent flange.
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 passive vent system ensures continuous ventilation, preventing vapor buildup and liquid leakage, even when the device is not in use, effectively addressing the limitations of existing solutions by maintaining a sealed environment for the container.
Implementation Method 1
a vent flange (100) including a flange body (102) and filtering means (120) connected with the vent conduit (105a) of the vent wall (105), the filtering means being suitable for allowing the passage of gaseous fluids and preventing the passage of liquid
Implementation Method 2
a multi-layered transpiratory membrane, such as Gore-Tex, to the flange
Data Source
AI summary
A vent for a liquid dispenser includes a vent flange comprising a flange body. The vent body includes a vent wall on which the membrane is applied. The vent wall extends parallel to the geometric axis of the device so as to have a sufficiently large area available for applying the transpiratory membrane and at the same time to limit the space occupied radially by the flange.