Confetti Shooter Closure Means Form-Fitting Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing confetti shooters, particularly electrically triggered variants, face issues with unintentional opening during transport due to shaking movements or mechanical failure, posing a latent danger.
Innovation Solution
A closure means with a holding element that secures the closure element in a partially open position using a projection with a pocket, providing form-fitting securing and a destructible stop means to prevent unintentional actuation, along with an optional indicator unit for visible faulty triggering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single release mechanism is used to hold the closure element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to risk of unintentional opening during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is divided into multiple functional segments: a first holding section with a projection for form-fitting engagement, a second holding section with a destructible stop means, and an indicator section. This segmentation allows each segment to address specific reliability concerns while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is pre-secured in a partially open position (e.g., 45 degrees) rather than fully closed, with the holding element already engaged in the holding position before use. This preliminary positioning prevents accidental full opening while allowing controlled activation when needed.
2Reliability
If the closure element is held in fully closed position, then the sealing is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to risk of incorrect actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element provides different functional qualities at different positions: in the partially open holding position, it maintains sufficient sealing through the form-fitting engagement of the projection in the pocket, while in the fully open position, it allows complete discharge. This local differentiation of sealing quality enables safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the closure element and the activation trigger. It mediates the transition from the secured holding position to the fully open position, ensuring that full opening only occurs when the destructible stop means is intentionally activated, preventing incorrect actuation.
3Device complexity
If no indicator system is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information increases regarding faulty triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element provides visual feedback through position changes that can be observed through a transparent or translucent portion of the housing. When the closure element is properly secured, the indicator shows one position; when faulty triggering occurs, the indicator moves to a different position, providing clear visual information about the system state without adding complex electronics.
4Ease of operation
If the holding element allows easy movement for intentional operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to risk of shaking-induced opening
Solution Approach 1:
The form-fitting engagement between the projection and pocket provides a cushioning effect that absorbs shaking movements and vibrations during transport. The geometric interlocking creates mechanical resistance to unintended movement while allowing controlled movement when the destructible stop means is activated, balancing ease of operation with transport reliability.
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 solution effectively prevents unintentional actuation and accidental opening, ensuring safe handling and transport by providing resistance and visual indicators for incorrect triggering, while allowing intentional operation.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the pressure prevailing in the compressed air tank, the plug is constantly pressed against the closure flap
Implementation Method 2
The compressed air escaping from the compressed air tank now 'shoots' the objects contained in the upper part, specifically the confetti, out of the confetti shooter
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a closing means, comprising a closing element (10) that can be moved from a closed position to an open position and a retaining element (11) for retaining the closing element (10) in the closed position of the closing element. The retaining element (11) can be moved from a retaining position, in which the retaining element retains the closing element (10) in the closed position of the closing element, to a releasing position, which allows the closing element (10) to be opened. In order to reliably avoid unintentional opening, whether by the operator or, for example, during transport, the closing means according to the invention is characterized in that the retaining element (11) is secured in the retaining position in a form-fit manner. Such a closing means is suitable in particular for securing confetti shooters.