All Plastic Continuous Spray Trigger Sprayer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art trigger sprayers discontinue liquid flow during the return stroke of the trigger, and they are less recyclable due to metal components, increasing recycling costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A trigger sprayer design that stores pressurized liquid during the charge stroke for continuous discharge during the return stroke, using an all-plastic construction with a U-shaped plastic spring instead of metal components, allowing for continuous fluid dispensing and improved recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal coil spring is used in the trigger sprayer, then the trigger return mechanism is reliable, but the sprayer cannot be easily recycled and recycling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the spring from metal to plastic, specifically using a polymeric material that provides the necessary elastic properties while being recyclable with the rest of the plastic sprayer components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a polymeric composite material that combines the elastic properties traditionally associated with metal springs with the recyclability of plastic, creating a U-shaped spring that is both functional and environmentally friendly
2Stress or pressure
If the trigger sprayer uses traditional pump design, then the liquid flow is pressurized, but the liquid flow stops during the return stroke of the trigger
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a reservoir chamber that stores liquid in advance during the charge stroke, so that liquid is available to be dispensed during the return stroke, ensuring continuous flow without interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention ensures continuous liquid dispensing by coordinating the pump output with the reservoir chamber, so that liquid flows continuously through the nozzle during both charge and return strokes without appreciable drop-off between cycles
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 design enables continuous liquid dispensing during both charge and return strokes, enhancing user experience and making the sprayer more cost-effective and desirable for recycling by eliminating metal components.
Implementation Method 1
a U-shaped plastic spring located exterior to the pump housing
Implementation Method 2
stores a quantity of pressurized liquid during the charge stroke of the trigger for subsequent release during the return stroke
Data Source
AI summary
A manually operated trigger sprayer that stores a quantity of pressurized liquid during the charge stroke of the trigger for subsequent release during the return stroke, is presented. The trigger sprayer is configured such that an appreciable volume of liquid is dispensed during both the charge and the return strokes of the trigger, creating a continuous discharge stream, for so long as the trigger is actuated. The present invention trigger sprayer also provides an all plastic construction by replacing the metal coil spring of prior art trigger sprayers with a U-shaped plastic spring located exterior to the pump housing thereby making the trigger sprayer well-suited for recycling.