Vented non-collapsing containers, refillable refill containers, dispensers and refill units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispenser systems with air-vented containers tend to leak when inverted or intermittently exposed to liquid, making them impractical for refilling and re-priming.
Innovation Solution
A non-collapsing container with a neck featuring an annular projection and a one-way valve that allows air to enter when vacuum pressure reaches a certain threshold, preventing liquid from flowing out, and a pump for dispensing contents, ensuring the system remains sealed during refilling and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vented container is used to allow air intake for pump re-priming, then the pump can re-prime itself after dispensing, but the container leaks when placed in inverted position or intermittently exposed to liquid
Solution Approach 1:
A one-way valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the container interior and the vent opening. This valve allows air to pass through during pump re-priming while preventing liquid from leaking out, even when the container is inverted or intermittently exposed to liquid. The valve acts as a selective mediator that permits desired airflow while blocking harmful liquid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve changes its flow parameters based on pressure differential. During pump re-priming, the valve opens to allow air intake when pressure differential favors inward flow. When the container is inverted or liquid tries to escape, the pressure differential causes the valve to close, preventing liquid leakage. This dynamic parameter change enables the valve to adapt to different operational conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional venting system is used, then air can enter the container, but the system leaks when intermittently exposed to liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve serves as a protective intermediary that selectively controls fluid passage. It maintains the air intake function by opening during vacuum conditions while preventing liquid leakage by closing when liquid pressure attempts to force its way out. This intermediary component preserves the beneficial air intake function while eliminating the harmful leakage problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the venting function from the container structure itself and separates it into a dedicated one-way valve component. This extraction allows the venting system to independently control air intake while the container structure focuses on containing the liquid, thereby preventing the leakage issues that arise when venting and containment functions are combined in traditional designs.
3Strength
If a rigid vented container is used, then the container maintains structural integrity, but the system is complex and expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system is segmented into a separate one-way valve component rather than being integrated into the container structure. This segmentation allows the container to be manufactured as a simple rigid structure while the valve component is added separately, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost. The segmented design enables independent optimization of each component for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve is designed as an inexpensive, simple component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. By using a simple valve mechanism rather than a complex integrated venting system, the overall production cost is reduced while maintaining the necessary structural integrity of the rigid container.
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 solution provides a leak-proof and economical refill unit that allows for easy recharging and re-priming of liquid dispensers, maintaining functionality even when inverted or exposed to liquid intermittently.
Implementation Method 1
The one-way valve allows air to flow into the non-collapsing container once the vacuum pressure in the container reaches the cracking pressure of the one-way valve
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of dispensers and refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit for a soap, sanitizer or lotion includes a non-collapsing container. The non-collapsing container includes a neck. An annular projection is located at least partially on the neck. A one-way valve is located proximate the annular projection. The one-way valve allows air to flow into the non-collapsing container once the vacuum pressure in the container reaches the cracking pressure of the one-way valve and the one-way valve prevents liquid from flowing out of the annular projection. In addition, a pump for pumping the contents of the container out of the container is also included.