Angled Spray Head With Droplet Rib For Aqueous Aerosol Dripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray devices using aqueous compressed air aerosol formulations suffer from excessive droplet build-up and dripping at the spray head, leading to staining and inefficiencies due to the slower evaporation of aqueous solutions and inadequate break-up force from compressed air propellants.
Innovation Solution
The spray head is designed with an angled outlet section and a droplet rib positioned below the outlet to direct droplets back towards the inlet, combined with grooves and ridges on the end-cap to enhance wicking and prevent droplet formation, effectively managing liquid residue and reducing dripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous compressed air aerosol formulations are used, then environmental and cost concerns are addressed, but droplet build-up and dripping at the spray head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful dripping droplets into a beneficial recirculation flow. The angled outlet section (5-45 degrees above horizontal) and droplet rib work together to redirect droplets that would normally drip down back into the canister, transforming the harmful staining effect into a useful self-cleaning mechanism that maintains spray performance
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing droplets to fall downward as in conventional spray heads, the patent inverts the droplet trajectory by angling the outlet section upward and using the droplet rib to redirect droplets backward toward the inlet, reversing the natural dripping behavior to achieve self-cleaning
2Adaptability or versatility
If aqueous solutions are used, then formulation versatility is improved, but evaporation rate decreases leading to increased droplet formation
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head system performs self-service by using its own geometry (angled outlet and droplet rib) to redirect and recirculate excess droplets back into the canister, eliminating the need for external cleaning mechanisms and maintaining optimal spray performance automatically
3Object-affected harmful factors
If compressed air propellants are used, then propellant safety is improved, but break-up force is reduced causing incomplete vapourisation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the static spray head structure - the angled outlet section and droplet rib create dynamic droplet redirection that adapts to the spray flow, enhancing atomisation through geometrically-induced flow patterns rather than static geometry alone
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
This design significantly reduces droplet formation and dripping, minimizing surface staining and improving the dispersal of aerosol formulations, particularly with compressed air aerosol products, by utilizing the angled outlet and wicking features to guide liquids back into the canister.
Implementation Method 1
a droplet rib is positioned directly below the outlet section and runs from the end-cap towards the first end of the outlet head; such that droplets forming on the end cap are drawn down the droplet rib towards the inlet section
Implementation Method 2
the end cap further comprises grooves in its surface adjacent the second end of the fluid channel, wherein the grooves provide a wicking effect to liquids remaining on the end-cap
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modified spray head suitable for use with an aerosol composition.