Bottle Closure Trigger Lock Mechanism for Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bottle closures lack a secure mechanism to prevent accidental actuation of pump and misting nozzle mechanisms, particularly when stored in bags or containers, leading to potential leakage or unwanted discharge.

Innovation Solution

A bottle closure with a trigger-actuated pump and misting nozzle featuring a lock mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged to prevent or permit the movement of the trigger mechanism, ensuring secure storage and controlled liquid dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a trigger mechanism is used to actuate the pump and misting nozzle, then liquid dispensing functionality is improved, but the risk of accidental actuation and leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid dispensing functionalityVSAvoidaccidental actuation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by physically blocking the trigger mechanism's movement path when engaged. The lock member extends into the trigger's travel path, preventing the trigger from moving from its resting position to the actuated position, thereby counteracting any forces that might accidentally activate the pump or misting nozzle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism serves as an intermediary between the trigger mechanism and the actuation system. It mediates the control of liquid dispensing by requiring a deliberate two-step operation: first engaging the lock, then actuating the trigger. This intermediary layer adds a control step that prevents unintended activation while preserving full functionality when properly operated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a lock mechanism is added to prevent accidental actuation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental actuation preventionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is merged with the existing trigger assembly and bottle closure structure. The lock member, lock engagement feature, and associated spring are integrated into the same housing and operational space as the trigger mechanism, rather than being completely separate components. This merging reduces overall complexity while providing the needed locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism components are nested within the existing bottle closure structure. The lock member is positioned within the trigger assembly's operational envelope, and the lock engagement feature is integrated into the housing that already contains the pump and misting nozzle mechanisms. This nesting approach minimizes additional space requirements and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the trigger mechanism is made easily movable for responsive actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintended discharge increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger responsivenessVSAvoidunintended discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism requires preliminary action before the trigger can be actuated. The user must first disengage the lock member by moving the lock indicator, which releases the mechanical constraint on the trigger. Only after this preliminary action is complete can the trigger be moved to actuate the pump or misting nozzle, ensuring deliberate operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically transitions between two states: locked and unlocked. When locked, the trigger is mechanically constrained and cannot move. When unlocked, the trigger becomes freely movable for responsive actuation. The lock mechanism itself is spring-loaded and dynamically responds to user input, automatically engaging when released and requiring deliberate manipulation to disengage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 lock mechanism effectively prevents accidental actuation of the pump and misting nozzle, allowing for secure storage and controlled dispensing of liquids, reducing the risk of leakage or unwanted discharge.

Implementation Method 1

a pump mechanism adapted and configured to be in fluid communication with a bottle to enable a liquid to be pumped and discharged through a nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

The pump mechanism includes a first check valve in a first intake liquid flow path configured for permitting fluid flow to the fluid receiving cavity from the first intake liquid flow path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve: Valve

Implementation Method 3

A trigger mechanism is operatively connected to the pump mechanism and moveable between a first trigger position and a second trigger position, and the trigger mechanism is adapted and configured to actuate the pump mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

The lock mechanism is adapted and configured to engage the trigger mechanism when the lock mechanism is in the engaged position and thereby prevent the trigger mechanism from moving from the first trigger position to the second trigger position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10518282B2Drink and misting bottle with trigger lock
Publication Date: 2019.12.31 O2COOL LLC
  • US10518282B2 patent drawing
  • US10518282B2 patent drawing
  • US10518282B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bottle closure includes a drink spout, pump mechanism, trigger mechanism and lock mechanism. The trigger mechanism is moveable between a first trigger position and a second trigger position. The lock mechanism is engageable with the trigger mechanism and movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The lock mechanism is adapted to engage the trigger mechanism when the lock mechanism is in the engaged position and thereby prevent the trigger mechanism from moving from the first trigger position to the second trigger position. The lock mechanism is further adapted to permit the trigger mechanism to move from the first trigger position to the second trigger position when the lock mechanism is in the disengaged position.