Angled Spout Assembly with Child-Proof Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems for hazardous materials lack effective child-safety features and fail to prevent spillage, puncture, combustion, or explosion, particularly in portable containers.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing spout assembly with a housing having angled cylindrical portions, a spout, a vent, and a valve assembly, featuring a child-proof attachment cap and a two-step trigger mechanism that prevents accidental removal and dispensing, ensuring secure attachment and controlled liquid release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple spout assembly is used for liquid dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but child safety and spillage prevention are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spout assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a valve shaft with apertures, a plunger for blocking apertures, a trigger mechanism with first and second portions, and a housing with cylindrical portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific safety or dispensing function while maintaining overall operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger is preliminarily positioned to block the apertures in the valve shaft, preventing liquid flow before dispensing is initiated. The trigger mechanism is pre-configured in a locked position that must be deliberately actuated, preventing accidental or unauthorized dispensing by children while allowing intentional adult operation.
2Reliability
If a valve assembly with trigger mechanism is added to prevent accidental dispensing, then child safety is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is merged with the valve shaft assembly, where the trigger's movement directly actuates the plunger that blocks or opens the apertures. The housing integrates multiple cylindrical portions that guide and constrain the valve and trigger components, combining several functions into a unified structure that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism employs dynamic movement between locked and unlocked positions, with the first portion of the trigger engaging and disengaging from the valve shaft to control plunger position. This dynamic design allows a simple two-position mechanism to provide reliable child safety protection without requiring complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the spout assembly is designed to prevent removal, then child safety is improved, but ease of operation for authorized users is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment cap features an asymmetric threaded engagement design where the threads and engagement features are configured to allow installation in one direction but prevent removal without deliberate counter-action. This asymmetric geometry provides child safety by preventing accidental or unauthorized removal while allowing authorized users to properly install and remove the cap when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment cap serves as an intermediary component between the spout assembly and the container, providing a controlled interface for attachment and detachment. The cap's threaded engagement and engagement features mediate the connection, ensuring that only proper installation and deliberate removal actions are permitted, thereby maintaining child safety while enabling authorized operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispensing spout assembly is provided that includes a housing having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion attached at an angle to the first cylindrical portion, a spout attached to a the second cylindrical housing, a vent disposed inside a lower portion of the first cylindrical housing, the second cylindrical housing, and the spout, and a valve assembly disposed inside the first cylindrical portion.