Adaptable Dispenser Actuator for Aerosol and Non-Aerosol Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispenser systems are limited in their ability to adapt between aerosol and non-aerosol containers, due to differences in delivery mechanisms and environmental concerns related to aerosol containers, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies in recycling and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system with a selection switch and adaptable actuator that can function with both aerosol and non-aerosol containers, utilizing a contoured surface and adapter to accommodate various container shapes, allowing for the same dispenser to handle both types by altering the actuator's movement based on the selection switch position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dispenser is configured to dispense materials from aerosol containers, then it can deliver pressurized suspension propelled by gas, but it cannot dispense materials from non-aerosol containers due to differences in delivery mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with adjustable stroke length capability, allowing it to adapt its movement distance based on whether an aerosol or non-aerosol container is installed. The actuator stroke adjustment mechanism enables the same actuator to provide full stroke for aerosol containers (to compress the spring and release pressurized gas) and reduced stroke for non-aerosol containers (to simply push the plunger), thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the actuator based on container type detection. When a non-aerosol container is detected, the actuator stroke parameter is reduced; when an aerosol container is detected, the full stroke parameter is applied. This parameter adjustment allows a single dispenser design to accommodate both container types without requiring multiple specialized actuators.
2Productivity
If aerosol containers are used in dispensers, then product delivery is achieved through pressurized gas propulsion, but environmental harm increases due to CFCs and VOCs
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is designed with universal compatibility to accept both aerosol and non-aerosol containers through the same mounting interface and actuator mechanism. This multi-functionality allows facilities to transition from environmentally harmful aerosol containers to alternative non-aerosol containers without replacing the dispenser infrastructure, thereby reducing environmental impact while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that can interface with both aerosol container valves and non-aerosol container plungers. By designing the actuator to function as a universal mediator, the system enables non-aerosol containers to achieve product delivery through mechanical pushing rather than pressurized gas, eliminating the need for CFCs and VOCs while maintaining effective product dispensing.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If non-aerosol containers are used instead of aerosol containers, then environmental impact is reduced, but the dispenser cannot dispense them due to differences in delivery mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator stroke adjustment mechanism dynamically adapts its movement based on the installed container type. For non-aerosol containers, the actuator uses a reduced stroke to simply push the plunger, while for aerosol containers, it uses full stroke to compress the spring and activate the valve. This dynamic adjustment enables the dispenser to work with environmentally friendly non-aerosol containers while maintaining compatibility with existing aerosol containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the actuator operational parameters based on container type detection. When a non-aerosol container is installed, the actuator stroke parameter is automatically adjusted to a shorter distance suitable for direct plunger pushing. This parameter change allows the same hardware to support both container types, enabling facilities to adopt environmentally preferable non-aerosol options.
4Ease of operation
If the actuator stroke is adjusted for non-aerosol containers, then proper dispensing is achieved, but the same actuator configuration cannot dispense aerosol containers properly
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with dynamic stroke adjustment capability, allowing it to change its movement distance based on real-time detection of container type. This dynamic characteristic enables the actuator to provide optimized stroke length for non-aerosol containers (shorter stroke for direct pushing) while automatically adjusting to full stroke for aerosol containers (to compress spring and release gas), thereby maintaining both dispensing accuracy and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator operational parameters are automatically changed based on container type identification. The system detects whether a non-aerosol or aerosol container is installed and adjusts the actuator stroke parameter accordingly. This parameter adaptation ensures that non-aerosol containers receive the precise short stroke needed for accurate dispensing, while aerosol containers receive the full stroke required for proper valve activation, achieving both precision and compatibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing system for air care products contained in aerosol and non-aerosol containers having spray nozzles includes a dispenser including a contoured surface that is configured to accept an aerosol container within the interior of the dispenser, the dispenser further including an adaptor releasably attached to the contoured surface of the dispenser, the adaptor configured to retain a non-aerosol container within the interior of the dispenser such that the actuator may contact the non-aerosol spray nozzle.