Compressible Valve Stem with Segmented Radial Openings for Aerosol Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressurized containers for aerosol products face challenges in achieving optimal flow rates during filling and dispensing, with existing valve designs often compromising between product flow and spray characteristics, and lacking universality for atomized sprays and laminar flow fluids/gels.
Innovation Solution
A compressible valve assembly featuring a valve stem with primary and secondary radial openings, a mechanical seal, and an actuator, which allows for adjustable flow rates by exposing different radial openings depending on the operational position, ensuring efficient filling and controlled dispensing while maintaining consistent spray characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the valve assembly is designed to increase product flow during filling operation, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but spray characteristics during dispensing are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem is segmented into multiple functional zones with different opening configurations. The first radial opening (341) is positioned to provide high flow during filling operations, while the second radial opening (337) is positioned to provide controlled flow during dispensing. This segmentation allows the valve to deliver different flow rates for different operational phases without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve stem are designed with different flow characteristics. The portion of the valve stem exposed during filling provides high flow through the first radial opening, while the portion exposed during dispensing provides controlled flow through the second radial opening. This local differentiation of flow properties resolves the contradiction between high filling flow and proper dispensing spray characteristics.
2Reliability
If a metal valve assembly is used to ensure reliability and durability, then component strength is improved, but recyclability and manufacturing economy are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition parameter of the valve assembly is changed from metal to plastic. This parameter change maintains the structural integrity and reliability needed for pressurized aerosol containers while enabling recyclability and reducing manufacturing costs. The plastic material can be engineered to withstand the required pressures and mechanical stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly utilizes plastic materials that combine multiple properties: structural strength to withstand pressurization, flexibility for sealing surfaces, and recyclability. This composite material approach allows a single plastic component to replace traditional metal assemblies, achieving both reliability and manufacturing economy.
3Productivity
If the valve stem has a single large opening for high flow rate, then filling efficiency is improved, but control over dispensing flow rate is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem incorporates multiple separate radial openings instead of a single large opening. The first radial opening (341) is optimized for high flow during filling, while the second radial opening (337) is optimized for controlled dispensing. This segmentation of the flow path allows independent optimization of filling and dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem is designed to dynamically expose different openings based on operational requirements. During filling operations, the valve configuration allows the first radial opening to provide high flow. During dispensing operations, the valve configuration exposes the second radial opening to provide controlled flow. This dynamic switching of active flow paths resolves the contradiction between filling efficiency and dispensing control.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve stem for a pressurized valve assembly. The valve stem has an open top portion, a closed bottom portion, at least one primary radial opening, and a valve stem longitudinal passageway between the open top portion and the at least one primary radial opening. A conduit extends from the valve stem at an angle relative to the valve stem longitudinal passageway, proximate to the open top portion. The conduit provides a flowpath between the valve stem longitudinal passageway at a conduit first end and a dispensing opening at a conduit second end.