Fluid Dispensing Push Button with Vortex Atomization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing systems for fluid products, such as those used in perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, fail to produce aerosols of optimal quality in terms of droplet fineness and distribution distance, and often result in product residue near the spray zone, leading to potential contamination.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing system featuring a push button with a distribution chamber in upstream communication with a supply tube, incorporating a piston chamber with variable volume to inject air into the spray zone, enhancing aerosol formation and preventing residue accumulation by adjusting the push button's position during dispensing and suction strokes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional spray nozzle is used, then the structure is simple, but the droplet fineness and aerosol quality are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedroplet finenessVSAvoidspray chamber structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray chamber is divided into multiple functional zones: a vortex chamber for initial atomization, a dispersion chamber for droplet separation, and a suction zone for residue removal. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, achieving fine droplet formation while maintaining manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes fluid dynamics principles by creating a vortex flow pattern within the spray chamber. The tangential inlet design generates rotational flow that naturally atomizes the liquid into fine droplets through centrifugal forces and shear stresses, eliminating the need for complex mechanical atomizing components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Speed

If the spray velocity is increased to improve distribution distance, then the aerosol reaches farther, but product residue accumulates near the spray zone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol distribution speedVSAvoidproduct residue
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The suction pump operates continuously or in synchronized cycles with the spray mechanism, maintaining a constant removal action throughout the dispensing process. This continuous suction prevents residue accumulation by immediately removing excess product and droplets from the spray zone, ensuring that the useful action of aerosol generation is continuously followed by effective residue removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The dispersion chamber acts as an intermediary zone between the vortex chamber and the spray outlet. It provides a transition space where high-velocity droplets from the vortex chamber can decelerate and separate, allowing finer droplets to proceed to the spray zone while heavier residues are redirected to the suction zone for removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the spray zone is positioned closer to the push button for compact design, then the device size is reduced, but the aerosol distribution distance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice lengthVSAvoidaerosol distribution distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the velocity parameter of the aerosol through the vortex chamber design. By creating rotational flow and utilizing centrifugal forces, the system accelerates droplets to higher velocities before they exit the spray zone. This increased initial velocity compensates for the reduced distance from the push button, allowing the aerosol to travel farther despite the compact positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If a vortex chamber is used to improve aerosol formation, then droplet fineness increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol qualityVSAvoidchamber structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray chamber is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it creates vortex flow for atomization, provides a dispersion zone for droplet separation, and incorporates a suction interface for residue removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving high aerosol quality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves the distribution of fine aerosol droplets at higher speeds and greater distances from the push button, while minimizing product residue and reducing contamination risks.

Implementation Method 1

said piston chamber having a variable volume depending on the position of the push button relative to the sleeve so as to inject air into - respectively to suck air from - the internal chamber and therefore the central part of the spray zone on the dispensing stroke - respectively suction - of said push button

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir injection:

Implementation Method 2

the distribution chamber comprises a vortex chamber in which the spray zone is formed. In particular, the vortex chamber is arranged to form an aerosol with the product by causing it to rotate very rapidly in order to give it speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex rotation: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 3

the distribution channels of the chamber each converge towards an outlet orifice, said convergent channels being arranged to allow the impaction in the spray zone of the jets of liquid distributed by said orifices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet impaction: Impact Force

Implementation Method 4

a device for withdrawing said product under pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2279795B1System for dispensing a fluid product
Publication Date: 2013.07.03 REXAM DISPENSING SYST S
  • EP2279795B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2279795B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid product distribution system comprising a device (1) for pressurized dispensing of said product and a sleeve (5), said system further comprising a push button (2) for actuating said device which is mounted in translation relative to the sleeve (5) on a product distribution/aspiration stroke, said push button comprising a body on which a nozzle (15) is disposed around an insert (16) so as to form a distribution chamber (17) comprising a downstream part provided with at least one distribution channel (21) for the product in a spray zone (22) which is provided opposite the front end (23) of the insert (16), the insert (16) having an internal chamber (24) which opens into an orifice (25) formed in the front end (23) of said insert opposite the central part of the spray zone (22),said internal chamber being in communication with a piston chamber (26) which is formed between the body of the push button (2) and the sleeve (5).