Aerosol Generator Diffuser With Hinged Cap and Outlet Slot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diffusers for aerosol containers face issues with caps that can be lost, damaged, or become dirty, compromising the functionality and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

The cap is attached to the diffuser body via a hinge, featuring a slot that overlaps the outlet duct in the closed position, with retaining means to prevent accidental opening and a design that ensures the cap remains attached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a removable cap is used to cover the finger cot, then the finger cot is protected from inadvertent operation, but the cap can be lost, damaged, or become dirty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of finger cotVSAvoidcap loss, damage, contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is merged with the diffuser body through a hinge connection, transforming it from a separate removable component to an integrated part. This eliminates the risk of loss, damage, or contamination while maintaining the protective function when closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap transitions from a static removable cover to a dynamic hinged component that can pivot between open and closed positions. The hinge mechanism allows the cap to move freely while remaining attached, providing both protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the cap is hinged to remain attached, then cap loss and damage are prevented, but the cap structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap retentionVSAvoidhinge mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is segmented into simple components: a hinge axis, a hinge arm on the cap, and a corresponding attachment point on the diffuser body. This segmentation allows the complex function of retained mobility to be achieved through simple, modular elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the slot overlaps the outlet duct in closed position, then precise product direction is maintained, but the slot design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct application precisionVSAvoidslot geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slot is designed with a curved path that arcs around the outlet duct in the closed position, allowing the outlet duct to pass through while maintaining precise product direction. The curved geometry accommodates the spatial constraints while achieving the desired precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4107090B1Diffuser for actuating the valve of an aerosol generator

Publication Date: 2025.08.06 LINDAL FRANCE

Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a diffuser for an aerosol generator, the diffuser being provided with a diffuser body which has - a skirt, - a finger tab, - an outlet duct having a portion (132a) which protrudes outwardly from the skirt, and a cap (20) that is movable from an open position in which the finger tab can be accessed by a user to a closed position in which the finger tab cannot be accessed by a user. According to the invention, the cap (20) is attached to the skirt by a hinge (21) such that it can pivot around the hinge between the open position and the closed position, and the cap is provided with a slot (24) which overlaps the protruding portion (132a) of the outlet duct when the cap is in the closed position or near the closed position.