Vented Refill Unit Insert With One-Way Valve for Leak-Free Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispenser systems with venting systems often leak when inverted or exposed to liquid intermittently, and over-tightening the pump can cause leaks, preventing proper venting.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a non-collapsing container with a venting insert and a one-way air inlet valve that allows air to enter the container when vacuum pressure exceeds a certain threshold, preventing liquid from leaking and ensuring proper venting, even when the container is inverted or exposed to liquid.
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 after dispensing, but the system leaks when inverted or exposed to liquid
Solution Approach 1:
A one-way air inlet valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the external environment and the container interior. This valve selectively permits air to enter the container during vacuum conditions while blocking liquid from entering or leaking out, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable venting and preventing liquid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system utilizes pressure differential as a controlling parameter. When vacuum pressure exceeds the cracking pressure of the one-way valve, the valve opens to allow air entry. When pressure equalizes or reverses, the valve closes to prevent liquid leakage. This dynamic parameter-based control enables the system to adapt to different operational states.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a venting insert is added to provide controlled air entry, then liquid leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting insert is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the refill unit. Its simplicity and low cost justify its inclusion, as it provides reliable liquid leakage prevention without significantly increasing overall system complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way air inlet valve may utilize a flexible membrane or thin film structure that responds to pressure differential. This flexible component provides effective liquid leakage prevention while maintaining a simple, lightweight design that does not substantially increase device 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 solution provides a reliable and leak-free venting system that allows for easy recharging and repriming of liquid dispensers, ensuring efficient operation and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the one-way air inlet valve opens when the vacuum pressure in the container exceeds the cracking pressure of the one-way air inlet valve to allow air to vent the container
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of vented refill units and dispensers having vented refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes a non-collapsing inverted container. The container has a neck located at the bottom of the container. A pump is secured to the neck. The pump has a housing that has a cylindrical outside surface. In addition, the housing has an attachment mechanism for attaching the pump to a venting insert. The venting insert has a cylindrical inside surface and a cylindrical outside surface. At least a portion of the venting insert is located within the neck. An air passage is located between the pump housing and the cylindrical inside surface of the venting insert. One or more apertures are located through the venting insert. A one-way air inlet valve is located proximate the one or more apertures.