Aerosol Insert Swirl Chamber Flow Rate Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressed gas aerosol dispensers experience a significant decrease in flow rate and an increase in particle size as the product is dispensed, leading to inconsistent fragrance experience and product effectiveness, particularly in air fresheners, due to the nature of compressed gas propellants.
Innovation Solution
An insert with a swirl chamber and specific geometric ratios (Ds/do, lo/do, Ls/Ds, Ap/(Ds·do) within certain ranges is used to maintain a consistent flow rate and minimize particle size increase, ensuring a stable dispensing performance throughout the product's usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If compressed gas propellant is used in aerosol dispensers, then volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are avoided and environmental regulations are satisfied, but the flow rate decreases significantly and particle size increases as product is dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the geometric ratios of the insert components (swirl chamber diameter to outlet orifice diameter Ds/do = 3.0-3.5, outlet orifice length to diameter lo/do = 0.4-0.6, swirl chamber depth to diameter Ls/Ds = 0.3-1.0). These parameter adjustments maintain consistent flow rates and particle sizes throughout product dispensing while using environmentally friendly compressed gas propellants.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compressed gas propellant is used in aerosol dispensers, then VOCs are avoided, but particle size increases by more than 40% as the container is dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the insert, specifically setting the swirl chamber depth to diameter ratio Ls/Ds between 0.3-1.0 and the outlet orifice length to diameter ratio lo/do between 0.4-0.6. These parameter changes ensure particle size increases by less than 40% throughout dispensing, maintaining consistent spray characteristics while using VOC-free compressed gas propellants.
3Ease of operation
If conventional aerosol dispensing systems are used, then easy dispensing is achieved, but flow rate decreases by more than 40% when container is 13% full
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispensing system into distinct functional components: a swirl chamber for fluid mixing and velocity development, and a precisely dimensioned outlet orifice for flow control. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function, maintaining flow rates at least 65% of initial values even when the container is 13% full, while preserving ease of operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple insert design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but flow rate and particle size consistency cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves consistent flow rates and particle sizes through optimized geometric parameters rather than complex mechanisms. The specific ratios (Ds/do = 3.0-3.5, lo/do = 0.4-0.6, Ls/Ds = 0.3-1.0) provide precise flow control while maintaining a relatively simple insert structure that can be manufactured cost-effectively as a single piece or few components.
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 maintains a flow rate of at least 65% of the initial value when the container is 13% full and increases particle size by less than 40%, providing a consistent fragrance experience and product performance throughout the dispensing process.
Implementation Method 1
The insert includes a swirl chamber having a diameter Ds and a depth Ls, at least one inlet port opening to the swirl chamber, and an outlet orifice having a diameter do and a length lo
Data Source
AI summary
An insert, a system, and a method are provided for dispensing a compressed gas product. The insert includes a swirl chamber, inlet ports to the swirl chamber, and an outlet orifice. The insert has specifically configured parameters relating to the diameter of the swirl chamber, the diameter of the outlet orifice, the length of the outlet orifice, and the depth of the swirl chamber. The insert, system, and method can provide a dispensed compressed gas product with a remarkably constant flow rate and with a remarkably constant particle size.