Cap-Held Tilt Actuator Dispenser Positive Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for attaching a dispenser to a container with a tilting valve do not ensure a secure hold during actuation, leading to potential detachment under pressure, which complicates the application and removal of the dispenser.
Innovation Solution
The system features a cap and dispenser design with positively interacting areas that create a secure fit when the dispenser is tilted, preventing axial detachment by using radial undercuts and projections, ensuring the dispenser remains attached during tilting valve actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dispenser is designed to be manually tiltable and simple, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of attachment during actuation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a first area allowing free axial movement for simple attachment/detachment, and a second area creating positive engagement that prevents detachment during tilting actuation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation and reliability through spatial separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap's opening is designed with dynamic characteristics that change based on dispenser position. In the axial position, the opening allows free movement for easy attachment. When tilted, the geometry of the opening and dispenser interaction dynamically creates the positive engagement feature that prevents detachment, thus providing both ease of operation and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the dispenser allows free movement through the cap opening, then ease of attachment and removal is improved, but reliability of hold during tilting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution transitions from one-dimensional axial movement to two-dimensional interaction by incorporating radial features (protrusions engaging recesses) that activate during tilting. This dimensional change allows free axial attachment while creating positive engagement in the radial direction during tilted operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and reliability during actuation.
3Ease of operation
If the cap opening diameter is large enough for easy insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but precision of positive fit during tilting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap opening is segmented into different functional zones: an upper portion with larger diameter for easy insertion, and a lower portion with precise geometric features (recesses, protrusions) that create the positive fit. This segmentation allows both ease of operation and manufacturing precision to coexist by assigning different dimensional requirements to different spatial zones.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system consisting of a cap for fastening on a foam can, or generally on a container, that contains a pressurized or pressurizable medium, as well as a tilting valve and a dispenser. The tilting valve comprises a sealing part that can be connected to the container and a valve nozzle interacting with the sealing part. The cap can be fastened on the container in the area of the tilting valve. The dispenser has a fastening area by means of which it can be fastened on the valve nozzle through a central opening of the cap. For easy mounting of the dispenser on the valve and for its actuation, provision is made for the inner area of the opening of the cap and the outer area of the fastening area of the dispenser to display positively interacting areas that, in tilted position of the dispenser relative to the container, create a positive fit opposing removal of the dispenser in the axial direction of the tilted position and detachment of the fastening area of the dispenser from the valve nozzle of the tilting valve.