Ergonomic Aerosol Sprayer Trigger for Secure Grip and Aiming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Finger-actuated aerosol sprayer mechanisms induce finger fatigue and provide an awkward grip, leading to inefficient product aiming and uneven weight distribution, resulting in less than secure handling.

Innovation Solution

A pressurized aerosol sprayer with a trigger actuator mechanism featuring an ergonomic design, including a trigger loop and pivot, which allows for comfortable grip and reduced finger fatigue, with a nozzle orientation that directs the spray at a controlled angle for improved aiming and secure handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If finger-actuated buttons or caps are used for actuation, then the sprayer can be operated with simple mechanism, but finger fatigue and strain occur due to inadequate ergonomic design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic designVSAvoidfinger fatigue and strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is divided into distinct functional components: a trigger mechanism for actuation, a grip portion for hand placement, and a support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the trigger providing mechanical advantage and the grip portion distributing weight across multiple fingers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator housing features curved and contoured surfaces that conform to the natural shape of the human hand. The grip portion includes rounded edges and ergonomic contours that allow fingers to wrap around naturally, distributing pressure evenly and reducing fatigue during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Measurement precision

If traditional finger actuation is used, then the mechanism remains simple, but aiming precision suffers due to awkward gripping and finger placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaiming precisionVSAvoidgrip comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator design serves multiple functions simultaneously: the trigger mechanism provides precise actuation control, the contoured housing serves as both structural support and ergonomic grip surface, and the overall geometry guides proper hand positioning. This multi-functionality integrates aiming assistance with operational comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If only a few fingers are used to hold the sprayer, then the mechanism remains simple, but grip security is insufficient and weight is concentrated on individual fingers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip securityVSAvoidfinger strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator extends the gripping surface from a single-point contact to a multi-dimensional contact area encompassing multiple fingers. The housing geometry creates contact points along the length and circumference of the hand, distributing the sprayer's weight across several fingers rather than concentrating it on one or two digits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8201714B2Aerosol sprayer

Publication Date: 2012.06.19 THE CLOROX CO

AI summary

A pressurized aerosol sprayer and method of making a pressurized aerosol sprayer are disclosed. In one embodiment the aerosol sprayer includes an aerosol sprayer actuator attached to an aerosol container, wherein the sprayer actuator includes an actuator housing, a trigger piece having a trigger and operatively associated with the actuator housing to activate the release of fluid from the container, a nozzle in fluid communication with the container, and a trigger loop encircling the trigger.