Lateral Actuation Ring with Chamfered Projections for Nasal Spray Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nasal spray devices with manual axial actuation risk nostril injury and incomplete distribution due to displacement of the dispensing head, and existing lateral actuation systems are complex and costly to manufacture and assemble.

Innovation Solution

A fluid dispenser device with a lateral actuation system featuring a ring with radial projections and eyelets that facilitate smooth radial to axial displacement, ensuring safe and reliable actuation without the risk of injury, and simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual axial actuation is used, then the device is simple to operate, but the dispensing head may displace inside the nostril causing injury and incomplete distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of actuationVSAvoidrisk of nostril injury
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the actuation direction from axial (along the nozzle axis) to lateral (perpendicular to the nozzle axis). The lateral actuation system includes a lever that pivots about an axis perpendicular to the nozzle axis, causing the dispensing head to move laterally relative to the nostril rather than axially, thereby eliminating the risk of injury while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If lateral actuation systems are used to prevent displacement, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk of nostril injuryVSAvoidnumber of component parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lateral actuation lever with the reservoir body, making the lever an integral part of the body structure rather than a separate component. The lever is formed as a single piece with the reservoir, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, hinges, or connection elements, thereby reducing component count and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the safety benefits of lateral actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral actuation lever serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuating mechanism for dispensing the product, provides structural support for the reservoir, and defines the pivot axis for the lateral motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If lateral actuation systems are used to ensure reliable actuation, then safety is improved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of actuationVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral actuation lever is formed as an integral part of the reservoir body through a single molding process, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations. This integration ensures precise geometric relationships between the lever, pivot axis, and dispensing head, thereby guaranteeing reliable actuation while significantly reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated lever design is self-aligning and self-assembling, requiring no additional fasteners, adhesives, or adjustment procedures. The lever's geometry automatically ensures proper positioning and functional relationship with the dispensing head, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures and reducing assembly costs while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2310140B1Dispensing device for a fluid product
Publication Date: 2013.05.22 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP2310140B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2310140B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2310140B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Fluid product dispensing device comprising a body (10), a reservoir (20), a dispensing member (30) such as a pump or valve mounted on the reservoir (20), and a lateral operating system (40) connected to said body (10), the device comprising a ring (50) mounted on or connected to the reservoir (20), and said ring (50) comprising at least one radial projection (55) suitable for engaging with a movable element (45) of said lateral operating system (40), the device being characterized in that said projection or projections (55) are chamfered with an inclined radial edge (56).