Vented Non-Collapsing Refill Container for Leak-Free Pump Re-Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispenser systems with venting systems often leak when inverted or intermittently exposed to liquid, failing to effectively re-prime the pump and allowing for easy refilling without excessive cost.
Innovation Solution
A non-collapsing container with a one-way valve located on the neck, allowing air to enter when vacuum pressure reaches a certain threshold and preventing liquid from flowing out, combined with a pump for efficient dispensing and refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a venting system is added to allow air to enter the container, then the pump can re-prime itself, but liquid may leak out through the vent when inverted or intermittently exposed
Solution Approach 1:
A one-way valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the container interior and the exterior vent opening. This valve allows air to pass through to the container while blocking liquid from escaping, effectively mediating the conflict between needing ventilation for pump re-priming and preventing liquid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve is designed with specific pressure parameters - it opens at a predetermined positive pressure threshold to allow air entry during pump operation, but closes when negative pressure occurs or liquid attempts to flow outward. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by dynamically adjusting vent openness based on pressure conditions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a one-way valve is used to prevent liquid leakage, then liquid cannot flow out, but the valve must be positioned to allow air entry when vacuum pressure reaches cracking pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve is designed to automatically respond to pressure conditions without external control. When vacuum pressure reaches the cracking pressure, the valve self-activates to allow air entry, and when liquid pressure attempts to push it open, the valve self-closes. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve is implemented as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily integrated into the vent system. Rather than using complex mechanical or electronic pressure control systems, a basic one-way valve provides the necessary functionality at low cost and simple complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the container is made non-collapsing, then the container structure is simplified, but air must be vented to allow pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is extracted from the container structure itself and implemented as a separate, dedicated one-way valve component. This allows the container to be simple and non-collapsing while the extracted venting mechanism with one-way valve handles the air entry requirement independently, resolving the conflict between structural simplicity and operational reliability.
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 prevents leakage and ensures the dispenser can re-prime itself and be easily refilled, maintaining functionality and cost-effectiveness.
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
Implementation Method 2
a pump for pumping the contents of the container out of the container
Data Source
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.