Venting Bellow Pump Tube Retainer Pressure Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bellow-type pump systems face challenges in accommodating new delivery requirements and improving performance, particularly in venting mechanisms for containers attached to the pumps.
Innovation Solution
A pump system comprising a bellow, stem, fluid lock, base, and tube retainer is designed to allow venting through thin-walled or valve post configurations, enabling pressure differences to facilitate container venting and efficient product dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid seal structure is used in the tube retainer, then sealing reliability is improved, but adaptability to pressure differences is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tube retainer is designed with thin-walled portions that can flex and deform in response to pressure differences between the container interior and exterior. This flexibility allows the retainer to adapt to varying pressure conditions while maintaining sealing contact, resolving the contradiction between rigid sealing and pressure adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube retainer transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can change its shape and positioning based on operating conditions. The thin-walled portions dynamically adjust their sealing contact with the base according to the pressure differential, enabling both reliable sealing and pressure adaptation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thin-walled portions are used in the tube retainer, then adaptability to pressure differences is improved, but structural strength is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-walled portions are specifically designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to deform under pressure differences while maintaining sufficient structural integrity. The thin walls provide the necessary compliance for pressure adaptation without compromising the overall strength required for functional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall thickness parameter of the tube retainer is optimized to balance flexibility and strength. By controlling the thin-walled portions to have specific thickness values, the design achieves sufficient adaptability to pressure changes while maintaining adequate structural strength for the application requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If valve posts are used for venting, then venting functionality is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The valve posts are integrated directly into the tube retainer structure, merging the venting function with the existing sealing component. This integration approach provides effective venting functionality while avoiding the addition of separate complex venting mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube retainer is designed to serve multiple functions: sealing the tube, adapting to pressure differences, and providing venting through integrated valve posts. By making the retainer multi-functional, the design achieves effective venting without requiring additional dedicated components, thereby controlling overall 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 system effectively manages pressure differences to allow container venting and ensures reliable product dispensing by using flexible materials and adjustable components for improved sealing and actuation.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure difference between the interior of the container and an exterior thereof may be sufficient to allow a flexing of the one or more thin walled portions such that they may unseat from the base and allow the container to vent
Implementation Method 2
allow a flexing of the one or more thin walled portions
Implementation Method 3
The one or more valve posts may be moved and unseated from the base upon actuation of a bellow and contact between the bellow and the one or more valve posts
Implementation Method 4
The system effectively manages pressure differences to allow container venting and ensures reliable product dispensing
Data Source
AI summary
A simplified pump system including a bellow (310) having a suction valve (312), a stem (320), a fluid lock (330), and a tube retainer (380) having a vent element wherein the product flow into and out of a pump chamber formed by the bellow (310) and stem (320) is controlled by the suction valve (312) and fluid lock (330).