Actuator Cap Rotational Tensioning for Ergonomic Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator caps for fluid containers, particularly in aerosol dispensers, lack ergonomic design and efficient conversion between operative and inoperative states, leading to difficulties in use and potential damage during activation.
Innovation Solution
The actuator cap features rotational tensioning with a torque profile that stores user energy for easier rotation and generates negative torque to assist in switching between positions, along with a rising actuator button for safe transit and operation, and a design that encloses the spray channel assembly to prevent stress, using materials like polypropylene and acetal for the outer body, chassis, and spray channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple detent style lock is used for the actuator cap, then the structure is simple, but the rotation requires excessive manual effort and lacks ergonomic benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the torque parameter throughout the rotation cycle by introducing a spring mechanism that varies the resistive force. The spring provides high torque resistance during initial rotation to ensure secure locking, then reduces torque as rotation approaches completion, enabling easy operation without requiring excessive manual effort throughout the entire rotation range.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism transitions from a static detent lock to a dynamic system where the spring continuously adjusts the torque profile during rotation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its resistance characteristics in real-time, providing high security when needed and ease of operation when approaching the target position.
2Ease of operation
If rotational tensioning is added to assist rotation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is self-regulating and automatically adjusts its torque output based on the rotation position. It stores energy during initial rotation against the spring force, then releases this energy to assist completion of the rotation, eliminating the need for external control systems or additional power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is integrated directly into the actuator housing structure, combining the locking function, torque assistance, and structural support into a unified design. This merging reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall assembly despite the enhanced functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator button is exposed for easy access, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of damage during transit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator button is designed to dynamically change its position based on the cap's operational state. During transit or storage, the button remains retracted and protected within the cap housing. When the cap is properly installed and activated, the button extends to an accessible position for user operation, providing both protection and ease of use at appropriate times.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure is designed to automatically position and protect the actuator button before use. The button is pre-positioned in a protected state during manufacturing and transit, and only becomes accessible after the cap is properly installed on the aerosol can, ensuring protection is maintained during vulnerable periods.
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 solution provides a robust, ergonomic, and user-friendly actuator cap that simplifies the conversion between operative and inoperative states, reduces the risk of damage, and ensures smooth operation, enhancing the usability and reliability of aerosol dispensers, especially for cosmetic products.
Implementation Method 1
rotational tensioning with a torque profile that stores user energy for easier rotation and generates negative torque to assist in switching between positions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An actuator cap (1) for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a rotatable outer body (2), a non-rotatable chassis (4), an actuator button (3) and a spray channel assembly (6), the latter comprising an outlet nozzle (63); the outer body (2) being rotatable relative to the chassis (4) between a first position in which the actuator button (3) is incapable of depression and a second position in which the actuator button (3) is capable of depression, said depression causing release of fluid product from an associated container through the spray channel assembly (6), the actuator cap (1) also comprises rotational tensioning means (34 and/or 12, 24) between the outer body (2) and the chassis (4), said rotational tensioning means (34 and/or 12, 24) serving to ease rotation of the outer body(2) towards its second position when close thereto.