Aerosol Spray Control Actuator with Rotational Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paint dispensing tools, such as brushes and traditional spray cans, face issues with paint storage degradation, lack of control over paint application thickness and texture, and difficulties in cleaning and maintaining brushes, while commercial sprayers are expensive and complex for home use.
Innovation Solution
A spray control apparatus for aerosol cans with a dispersion nozzle and conduit, featuring a can coupling cap with a locking ledge, cam track, and actuator that allows for adjustable spray settings, including 'off', 'manual', and 'auto' modes, enabling control over spray flow and pattern, and accommodating various nozzles for different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spray cans are used, then paint application is simple, but control over spray flow and pattern is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spray control system adjustable through rotation. The actuator can be rotated to different positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to dynamically change the spray pattern and flow control, allowing the same device to adapt to different application needs without changing the basic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the spray flow rate and pattern through rotational adjustment. By rotating the actuator to different angular positions, the user changes the parameters of spray flow (from restricted to full flow) and spray pattern (from stream to wide fan), enabling control over application characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If commercial sprayers are used, then control over spray application is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional actuator that combines multiple control capabilities in a single component. The actuator provides both flow control and pattern control through rotational adjustment, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms found in commercial sprayers, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the actuator inside the cap structure. The actuator body fits within the cap's interior space, with the plunger moving within the actuator housing. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated unit, reducing device complexity while providing professional-grade control.
3Ease of operation
If paint is stored in ordinary cans, then storage is simple, but paint degradation occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inert atmosphere principle by using propellant gas (such as nitrogen or compressed air) to displace oxygen above the paint in the aerosol can. This creates an oxygen-deficient environment that prevents oxidation and degradation of the paint, significantly extending shelf life while maintaining simple storage requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If brushes are used for paint application, then control over paint thickness is limited, but cleaning and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the brush component entirely from the paint application system. The aerosol spray mechanism delivers paint directly to the surface without requiring a brush, thereby eliminating the cleaning and maintenance issues associated with brush bristles while providing control over paint thickness through spray pattern adjustment.
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
Provides flexible and intuitive control over paint application, reduces paint waste, and allows for efficient storage and maintenance, offering a cost-effective solution that emulates professional spray equipment capabilities without the complexity.
Implementation Method 1
aerosol cans with a dispersion nozzle and conduit, featuring a can coupling cap... enabling control over spray flow and pattern
Implementation Method 2
Spray control device for aerosol cans... dispersion nozzle and conduit, featuring a can coupling cap
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A spray control apparatus for aerosol cans has a can coupling cap with a segmented and discontinuous aerosol can engaging ring. The cap top lip has a locking ledge having a bearing surface facing away from the can engaging ring, a cam track having a bearing surface facing toward the can engaging ring, and a guide slot therebetween. A plurality of generally planar reinforcing ribs radiate inwardly from the cap side wall. An actuator is concentrically within the cap, and has at least one cam protruding radially into the cap top lip. The cam engages the locking ledge bearing surface in a first rotary position and is thereby blocked from axial movement, and engages the cam track bearing surface in a second rotary position and is thereby driven axially toward the can engaging ring, and passes though the guide slot when rotated between the first and second rotary positions.