Aerosol Sprayer Trigger Loop for Ergonomic Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Finger-actuated aerosol sprayer mechanisms induce finger fatigue and provide an awkward grip, leading to uneven product discharge and inadequate weight distribution during use.
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 an optimal angle for efficient product application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If finger-actuated buttons or caps are used, then the sprayer can be operated with simple structure, but finger fatigue is induced and gripping becomes awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional actuation approach by replacing finger-actuated buttons with a trigger mechanism that is pulled backward rather than pushed forward. This inversion changes the natural gripping posture from awkward finger placement to a more ergonomic hand position, reducing finger fatigue while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism introduces dynamic movement to the actuation system, allowing the trigger to pivot and return to its original position automatically. This dynamic design enables easier actuation compared to static button pressing, while the spring-loaded return mechanism ensures reliable reset without requiring additional user effort.
2Device complexity
If conventional gripping is used, then the sprayer structure remains simple, but aiming precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator housing incorporates curved surfaces and ergonomic contours that conform to the natural shape of the user's hand. This curvature enables a more secure and stable grip, which in turn improves aiming precision by reducing hand slippage and providing better control over the spray direction, all while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
3Device complexity
If only a few fingers hold the sprayer, then the device structure is simple, but grip security and weight support are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger loop design adds a new dimensional element to the gripping interface, allowing the user's fingers to wrap around and encircle the trigger in addition to holding the body of the sprayer. This creates a multi-point contact system that significantly enhances grip security and weight support capability without substantially increasing device complexity.
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 ergonomic design reduces finger fatigue and improves the secure grip and aiming of the sprayer, ensuring efficient and controlled product discharge with reduced strain on the user's fingers.
Implementation Method 1
U.S. Pat. App. 2007/0023457 to O'Toole et al. discloses an aerosol trigger that locks against removal from the aerosol container and has a spring that biases the trigger toward release of the trigger.
Data Source
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.