Deployable Clip Assembly for Flush Bottle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems, such as spray bottles, require users to hold the bottle with one hand after application, limiting the ability to perform other tasks, as they lack a secure and flush deployment mechanism for suspension from clothing or other objects.
Innovation Solution
A clip assembly mounted on the bottle neck with a rotatable arm biased by a spring, which can be deployed to engage clothing, belts, or buckets, allowing secure suspension while maintaining a flush configuration when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a belt clip or suspension accessory is added to the bottle, then the bottle can be suspended from clothing or belts, but the device complexity increases and the bottle requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly is integrated into the bottle structure by mounting it on the bottle neck and fitting it flush into a recess. The clip arm, axle, spring, and gripping surface are combined into a single assembly that becomes part of the bottle, eliminating the need for separate suspension accessories while providing hands-free operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip assembly is nested within the bottle structure, with the clip arm rotatably mounted on an axle that is mounted on a fixed portion of the bottle. When not in use, the clip arm is biased into a resting orientation flush with the bottle, effectively nesting the suspension mechanism within the bottle's profile.
2Reliability
If a deployable clip mechanism is implemented, then the bottle can be securely suspended, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The clip arm is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a resting orientation (flush with the bottle) and a deployed orientation (engaging with clothing or belts). The spring provides dynamic biasing to maintain reliable engagement while allowing controlled deployment and retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring automatically biases the clip arm into engagement with clothing or belts when deployed, providing self-service suspension security without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The user simply needs to deploy the clip arm, and the spring handles the rest of the engagement process.
3Reliability
If the clip arm is always extended for gripping, then secure suspension is achieved, but the bottle profile is enlarged and it cannot be stored flush
Solution Approach 1:
The clip arm transitions between two states: a resting orientation where it is flush with the bottle profile (minimizing shape enlargement), and a deployed orientation where it extends outward to engage with clothing or belts (providing grip strength). The spring ensures reliable engagement when deployed while allowing the bottle to maintain a compact profile when stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip arm undergoes periodic deployment and retraction, alternating between extended (gripping) and retracted (flush) states. This periodic action allows the bottle to achieve secure suspension when needed while maintaining a compact, space-efficient profile during storage or transport.
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
Enables users to apply fluids and then freely use both hands for other tasks by securely suspending the bottle, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The clip assembly includes a clip arm that is rotatably mounted on an axle and biased into a resting orientation, flush with the bottle. The axle is mounted on a fixed portion which can include a gripping surface that cooperates with the inner surface of the clip arm. By depressing the upper end of the arm above the axle, the arm rotates against a bias, which can be supplied by a spring
Implementation Method 2
By depressing the upper end of the arm above the axle, the arm rotates against a bias, which can be supplied by a spring, and deploys outward for engagement with either clothing, a belt or a thin walled object such as a bucket or pail, gripping between the rotating arm and the fixed portion
Data Source
AI summary
A spray bottle or other bottle is provided with a clip assembly that includes a shroud member with a collar to mount on the bottle. The shroud rests in a depression in the bottle so as not to protrude. The assembly includes a deployable clip mounted to the shroud which, when deployed enables the bottle to be suspended on a belt, waistband, pocket or even a pail or bucket. The arm has, on an inner surface, protuberances which assist in holding the assembly in place. Bias means can be provided to urge the rm into its nondeployed rest orientation.