Actuator Cap Rising Button Mechanism for Fluid Dispenser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator caps for fluid containers lack a robust and ergonomically attractive design for spraying liquid products, particularly for cosmetic applications on the human body, and often require complex mechanisms that stress fragile components.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable actuator cap with a non-rotatable chassis and spray channel assembly, featuring a rising actuator button that indicates readiness for operation, providing a safe and tactile activation mechanism without the need for the spray channel assembly to rise, thus minimizing stress on fragile components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spray channel assembly rises through the cap to achieve activation, then the device can be actuated, but the actuator cap is prone to stresses that can damage fragile components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the rising motion function from the spray channel assembly. The outer body and actuator button rise together as one unit, while the spray channel assembly remains stationary in the cap. This segmentation eliminates the stress that would otherwise be applied to the fragile spray channel assembly during activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator button serves as an intermediary element that transfers the user's pressing action to the spray mechanism without requiring the spray channel assembly itself to move. The button rises and tilts to indicate readiness, then depresses to activate spraying, mediating between user input and the stationary spray channel.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator button remains depressed or in elevated position, then the device is ready for operation, but the device lacks a safe transit and storage position
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator button dynamically changes position between a depressed ready state and an elevated safe state. The outer body and button rise together to indicate readiness, then can be returned to the depressed position for safe storage. This dynamic positioning provides both operational readiness indication and safe transit configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses tactile and visual position changes of the actuator button to indicate device state. When the outer body and button rise, the button becomes elevated and tilted, providing clear visual and tactile feedback that the device is ready for operation, while the depressed position indicates safe storage mode.
3Reliability
If the actuator button is surrounded by the outer body in the non-raised position, then the button is protected from damage, but the user cannot access the button for activation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator button dynamically transitions between being enclosed by the outer body in the depressed position and being exposed when the outer body and button rise together. This dynamic movement provides protection during storage while ensuring accessibility during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer body and actuator button are combined in their rising motion, moving together as a unified assembly. This merging ensures that when the button needs to be accessed for activation, it rises with the outer body to an accessible elevated and tilted position, while maintaining the protective enclosure relationship in the depressed state.
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 design offers a robust, ergonomic, and stress-reduced mechanism for spraying liquid products, ensuring safe transit, easy operation, and enhanced user experience with improved mechanical advantage and reduced risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
spray through actuator caps... optionally for use with pressurised fluid containers
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator cap for dispensing a liquid product, the cap comprising a rotatable outer body and an associated actuator button and a non-rotatable chassis and associated spray channel assembly; the outer body and actuator button being rotatable between:a first position in which the actuator button is non-elevated, the actuator button being incapable of depression in this position;a second position in which the actuator button is elevated across its full length and width relative to top surface of the outer body, the button still being incapable of depression in this position; anda third position in which the actuator button is elevated across its full length and width and tilted relative to top surface of the outer body, the button being capable of depression in this position;depression of the actuator button causing release of liquid product from an associated container through the spray channel assembly.