Aerosol Trigger Actuator with Integrated Living Hinges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol trigger sprayers are more expensive and complex than pushbutton-type sprayers due to increased piece parts and complexity, necessitating a simpler and cost-effective alternative for actuating aerosol containers.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol trigger actuator comprising a trigger and a body with integrated living hinges that flex to actuate a manifold, allowing for efficient release of products from a container, reducing the need for additional components and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a trigger actuated aerosol sprayer is used, then the spray delivery functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray delivery functionalityVSAvoidpiece parts and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is integrated directly into the body of the aerosol container, eliminating the need for a separate manifold component. This merging of functions reduces the total number of piece parts while maintaining the trigger actuated spray delivery functionality, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational capability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The body of the aerosol container is designed to serve multiple functions: it contains the product, provides structural support, and integrates the manifold functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, lowering device complexity while preserving spray delivery capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a trigger actuated aerosol sprayer is used, then the spray delivery functionality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray delivery functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the manifold into the body as a single component rather than assembling separate parts, the manufacturing process is simplified. This reduces assembly steps, lowers labor costs, and decreases manufacturing complexity, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining trigger actuated spray functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The living hinge is designed as an integrated flexible section within the body structure, allowing the manifold to move without requiring separate mechanical components. This segmentation of function within a unified structure reduces part count and manufacturing cost while enabling the necessary actuation motion

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 solution provides a cost-effective and simplified mechanism for actuating aerosol sprayers by using integrated living hinges to facilitate repeated use and efficient product release, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

one or more living hinges integrated with a trigger and a body may facilitate the movement of a manifold integrated with the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8936180B2Aerosol trigger sprayer and methods for making the same

Publication Date: 2015.01.20 SILGAN DISPENSING SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

An aerosol trigger actuator having two or three parts includes one or more living hinges (170) allowing the two or three parts to act together to release a product from a container.