Aerosol Dispenser Actuator with Segmented Flexible Valve

Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol dispensers are prone to accidental actuation, which can occur due to incorrect orientation or mishandling, and existing solutions like removable overcaps do not fully address the issue if they become dislodged.

Innovation Solution

The aerosol dispenser features a two-piece structure with an actuating unit and enclosing unit, where the actuating aperture must be inserted into in a specific orientation, utilizing a flexible surface that deflects to actuate the valve, providing directional guidance and preventing accidental activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a removable overcap is used to cover the valve actuator, then accidental actuation is prevented when the cap is on, but the device becomes vulnerable to accidental actuation if the cap becomes dislodged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental actuationVSAvoidtwo-piece structure with enclosing unit and actuating unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve actuator is divided into two separate pieces: an enclosing unit that forms the outer housing and an actuating unit that contains the finger-contact surface. These units are positioned one inside the other but remain separable, allowing the actuating unit to be inserted into or removed from the enclosing unit. This segmentation prevents accidental actuation by requiring deliberate insertion of the actuating unit while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the actuating aperture accepts finger insertion from any orientation, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental actuation increases due to incorrect orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger insertion capabilityVSAvoidaccidental actuation from wrong orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating aperture is designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that only matches a corresponding asymmetric opening in the enclosing unit at a specific orientation. The finger-contact surface and aperture geometry are configured so that successful insertion and actuation can only occur when the aerosol can is held in the correct upright position. This asymmetric design inherently guides proper orientation while preventing accidental activation from incorrect angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If the valve actuator is a single combined structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide directional guidance and prevent accidental actuation is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle structure designVSAvoidaccidental actuation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve actuator is divided into two separate pieces: an enclosing unit that forms the outer housing and an actuating unit that contains the finger-contact surface. These units are positioned one inside the other but remain separable, allowing the actuating unit to be inserted into or removed from the enclosing unit. This segmentation prevents accidental actuation by requiring deliberate insertion of the actuating unit while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively prevents accidental actuation and directs the user to the correct orientation for dispensing, ensuring the product is only released when intended, enhancing safety and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible surface can be entirely of a flexible material or can be a flexible material on a rigid to semi-rigid material that can flex.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9649513B2Aerosol dispenser

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

An aerosol container has a positive actuating structure. The aerosol container is comprised of a body section and a dispensing section. The body section has an aerosol container with a valve at an end that is adjacent the dispensing section. The dispensing section has an enclosing unit and an actuating unit with an actuating channel to receive the finger of a person to actuate the actuating unit. The actuating unit fits into the enclosing unit. The actuator channel extends through the dispensing section, at least part of the lower part of the actuator channel being flexible and in contact with the valve of the aerosol container. The actuator channel can be entirely of a flexible material which directly contacts the aerosol valve or be a part of a semi-rigid to rigid material which directly contacts the aerosol valve. Upon depressing the actuator channel the aerosol valve is actuated and product flows from the body section through the dispensing section to a dispensing aperture.