Actuator Button Flexion via Angled Flat Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art aerosol actuation systems face issues with actuator button rigidity leading to breakage, misalignment during manufacturing and use, and increased manufacturing costs due to inflexible securement methods, resulting in product misalignment and breakage.
Innovation Solution
The dispensing system incorporates an actuator with angled and flat surfaces that interact with channels in flanges on the overcap, allowing for alignment and flexibility during actuation, which reduces breakage and misalignment by enabling the actuator to flex and pivot, and uses a securement mechanism that allows for proper alignment and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the actuator button is rigidly secured to the overcap using traditional methods (ultrasonic welding, interference fit, pin and socket), then the connection strength is improved, but the actuator button loses flexibility and freedom to flex during actuation, leading to breakage and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator button is designed with a resilient body that can flex and deform during actuation. The button is not rigidly fixed but allowed to move dynamically within the overcap, enabling it to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and user actuation forces without breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the actuator button are changed to be resilient and flexible rather than rigid. This allows the button to deform elastically during use while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If the actuator button is anchored directly to the sidewall adjacent the dispensing orifice, then the positioning precision is improved, but the rigid connection causes misalignment and breakage when force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator button is allowed to move dynamically within the overcap rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic positioning capability enables the button to self-align during actuation while maintaining reliable operation without breakage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If varying manufacturing tolerances of the actuator and valve stem are present, then the adaptability to different components is improved, but misalignment occurs during assembly and use
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient actuator button can deform and adjust its position dynamically during assembly and use, allowing it to accommodate varying manufacturing tolerances of different components while maintaining proper alignment and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient nature of the actuator button provides a cushioning effect that absorbs misalignment caused by manufacturing tolerances before it can lead to breakage or malfunction, protecting the system against tolerance variations.
4Ease of manufacture
If downward pressure is applied to the overcap during assembly, then the overcap is secured to the container, but the actuator may become misaligned or break due to rigid connections
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient actuator button can deform dynamically during the overcap assembly process, absorbing the forces applied during securing while maintaining its structural integrity and proper alignment, preventing breakage that would occur with rigid connections.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2a
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An actuator includes a conduit and first and second tabs protruding from the conduit. Each tab includes a first angled face and a first flat face disposed adjacent a first end of the tab and a second angled face and a second flat face disposed adjacent a second end of the tab.