Actuating Device for Pressurized Packaging with Sealing Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol dispensers face issues with valve clogging due to dried product, which can lead to oxidation of the product and reduced functionality over time, and current actuators have a high number of parts.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with an open piston and inner rod that seals the discharge orifice from the inside, featuring a discharge duct and a lever or push button to actuate the piston, reducing the number of parts and ensuring effective closure of the orifice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional actuator with multiple parts is used to seal the discharge orifice, then the sealing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated actuator component. The actuator includes a plunger head with discharge orifice, piston, and sealing elements all formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate components that would otherwise be required to achieve the same sealing and actuation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component structure. It provides both the sealing function at the discharge orifice and the actuation function for dispensing, while also incorporating the piston mechanism for product delivery, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the discharge orifice remains open after dispensing, then the product can be accessed easily, but the valve becomes clogged and the product oxidizes
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to automatically perform the sealing action immediately after dispensing stops. The resilient biasing mechanism ensures that the plunger returns to its initial position and seals the discharge orifice automatically, preventing clogging and oxidation without requiring additional user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is self-actuating through its resilient biasing mechanism. After the user releases the actuation force, the spring automatically returns the plunger to the closed position, sealing the orifice without requiring any additional steps from the user. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable sealing while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a resilient biased valve means is used to close the orifice, then the valve prevents clogging, but the device requires more parts and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient biasing mechanism is integrated directly into the actuator body rather than being a separate component. The spring is housed within the actuator structure, and the plunger is part of the same integrated component, thereby achieving reliable valve closure without increasing the overall number of parts.
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 actuating device effectively prevents valve clogging and protects the product from oxidation by ensuring the discharge orifice is sealed, while also reducing the number of parts for simpler manufacturing and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an open piston having an open front end, an open rear end and at least an upper sealing lip which is sealing towards an inner wall of the discharge duct
Implementation Method 2
the open piston has a larger diameter at the front end as the diameter at the rear end, such that an overpressure in the packaging urges the inner rod towards the duct orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A novel actuating device (1) is described for use in combination with a pressurized packaging (6), which comprises an actuator head (2) having a discharge orifice (11), a discharge duct (3) which connects the discharge orifice with an entry port (4). The actuating device is provided for actuating a resilient biased valve means for dispensing the fluid from the fluid container (6) and further comprises an open piston (16) having at least an upper sealing lip (20) which is sealing towards an inner wall of the discharge duct (3). An inner rod (25) is attached to the open piston (16) having a free end (26; 53) for closing the discharge orifice (11). The open piston (16) is biased towards the discharge opening: The actuator head (2) comprises a lever (31) for actuating the open piston (16) towards the entry port of the discharge duct (3).