Integrated Color Marking and Spray Safety for Aerosol Cans

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for aerosol cans require separate steps for installing spray protection and color marking, which is inefficient and lacks a reversible, reusable safety mechanism to indicate previous use.

Innovation Solution

A color marking system with an integrated spray safety device comprising a ring-shaped outer and inner element, where the outer element serves for attachment and marking, and the inner element acts as a safety device, detachably connected via connecting elements that leave irreversible traces upon removal, allowing for easy assembly and reusability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate spray safety devices and color marking systems are used, then spray protection and color indication are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray protectionVSAvoidassembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spray safety device and color marking system into a single integrated component. The safety device includes an outer element with a colored ring that serves both as a protective barrier against unauthorized spraying and as a visual color marker indicating the product contents. This merging eliminates the need for separate safety devices and color marking systems, reducing assembly steps while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated safety device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection against spray actuation through its structured design with engagement features, displays product color information through the colored ring portion, and indicates product status (new/used) through irreversible detachment traces. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a spray safety device is made irreversible for security, then unauthorized spraying is prevented, but the device cannot be reused or reset

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized sprayingVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing reversible attachment/detachment during normal operation while maintaining irreversible security marking upon first use. The connecting elements can be detached and reattached, enabling the device to transition between secured and unsecured states, while the detachment process leaves permanent traces on the can that indicate previous use, thus providing both reusability and security indication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the spray safety device is easily removable for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized spraying is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized spraying
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device applies different levels of attachment strength to different functional requirements: the connecting elements provide easy removal capability through simple detachment mechanisms, while the engagement features between the safety device and spray head create localized secure engagement that prevents unauthorized spraying. This differentiation of local attachment qualities satisfies both ease of operation and security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3363749B1Colour marking with integrated spray securing
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 PETER KWASNY GMBH
  • EP3363749B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3363749B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a color marking with integrated spray safety device (1) for aerosol spray cans (14) with at least one substantially annular outer element (2) and one substantially annular inner element (3) which are arranged concentrically to each other and are separably connected to each other via at least one connecting element (4), wherein the annular outer element (2) can be connected to the dome (12) of an aerosol spray can by means of a positive or force-fit connection via at least one snap-in element (9) and the annular inner element (3) is arranged as a spacer element (5) at least partially between the spray head and the valve plate base (13) such that the spray valve cannot be triggered by the spray head.