Adapter Dispensing Sleeve Linear Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product dispensers for pressure containers lack simple and efficient actuation mechanisms for controlling medium dispensing, often leading to unintentional ejection of media and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a slidably connected dispensing sleeve via an elastic annular or disc-shaped membrane allows for controlled movement along the adapter's longitudinal axis, enabling simple actuation and automatic reset, along with a fastening section for quick assembly and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pivoting arrangement is used to control the valve, then the valve can be actuated to dispense medium, but the structure becomes complex and unintentional ejection may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pivoting arrangement from the valve control mechanism and replaces it with a linear sliding mechanism. The dispensing sleeve moves linearly along the longitudinal axis rather than pivoting, simplifying the structure while maintaining control functionality. This extraction of the complex pivoting motion results in a simpler actuation mechanism that reduces the risk of unintentional ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a pivoting motion to control valve actuation, the patent inverts the approach by using a linear sliding motion of the dispensing sleeve. The valve is controlled through the linear displacement of the dispensing sleeve along the longitudinal axis, which simplifies the mechanical arrangement and improves reliability by eliminating the complexity of pivoting arrangements.
2Ease of manufacture
If the dispensing sleeve is freely movable, then assembly is simple, but unintentional ejection of medium occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic connection provides self-service functionality by automatically returning the dispensing sleeve to its initial closed position after actuation. The elastic membrane stores energy when compressed during actuation and automatically releases it to reset the dispensing sleeve, eliminating the need for additional reset mechanisms while preventing unintentional ejection through the normally closed design.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic connection acts as a cushioning mechanism that controls the movement of the dispensing sleeve. It allows controlled displacement during actuation but prevents uncontrolled movement by providing elastic restoration force, thereby preventing unintentional ejection while maintaining assembly simplicity through the integrated elastic membrane design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used for the adapter, then functionality is comprehensive, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the dispensing sleeve and adapter body integration. The dispensing sleeve combines the valve control function with the dispensing opening, while the elastic connection integrates the reset mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing sleeve serves multiple functions: it controls valve actuation, provides the dispensing opening, and works with the elastic connection to provide automatic resetting. The adapter body integrates the mounting function with the elastic connection structure. This multi-functionality reduces component count and simplifies the overall adapter design while maintaining full functionality.
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 adapter ensures controlled medium dispensing by maintaining a normally closed position until actively actuated, preventing unintentional ejection and simplifying assembly while reducing manufacturing costs and component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic connection between the dispensing sleeve and the adapter body is designed as an annular or disc-shaped membrane extending between them
Implementation Method 2
the elastic connection is pressed inwards relative to the inclination of the end face when the dispensing sleeve is moved into an active position, thereby generating the restoring force
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter for a product dispenser (11) with an adapter base body (19) for positioning the adapter (18) on a container opening (14) of a pressure vessel (12), with a pivoting arrangement (23) which arranges an actuating lever (21) with a handle (22) pivotably to the adapter base body (19), wherein the actuating lever (21) can be moved from an unlocking position (67), into which the handle (22) can be actuated to open a valve (16) of the container (12) from an initial position (68) to an active position (69), to a locking position (66), in which actuation of the handle (22) is blocked.