Dispenser Adapter Translating Tilting Motion to Valve Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dispensers designed to tilt a valve stem are not suitable for cans with Pageris-type valves, which have a stationary valve stem housing, limiting the versatility of dispensers and requiring separate dispensers for different types of valves.

Innovation Solution

An adapter that translates the tilting action of a dispenser into a compressing action to open Pageris-type valves, allowing a single dispenser to function on both tilting and Pageris-type valves by using a base, neck, and bendable segment with a flow channel and plunger to depress the valve stem.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dispenser is designed to tilt a valve stem to dispense fluid, then it can function on cans with tilting valve stems, but it cannot be used on cans with Pageris-type valves that require depressing the valve stem

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different valve typesVSAvoidstructure of dispenser
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that connects between the dispenser and the can valve. The adapter includes a bendable segment with a plunger that translates the tilting motion of the dispenser into a depressing motion of the valve stem. This intermediary device enables compatibility with both tilting valve stems and Pageris-type valves without modifying the original dispenser structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single dispenser is made compatible with both tilting and Pageris-type valves, then versatility is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different valve typesVSAvoidstructure of dispenser system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the valve interface into separate components: the dispenser remains simple and unchanged, while the adapter handles the complexity of interfacing with different valve types. The adapter is further segmented into a base portion that attaches to the can, a bendable segment with plunger for motion translation, and a connection interface for the dispenser. This segmentation allows the dispenser to maintain simplicity while the adapter provides the necessary adaptability for different valve types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the bendable segment is made rigid to maintain structural strength, then it cannot translate tilting motion into linear plunging motion, but if made flexible it loses structural strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion translation capabilityVSAvoidstructural strength of bendable segment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a bendable segment with dynamic characteristics that can flex during operation to translate tilting motion into linear plunging motion of the plunger. The segment is designed with controlled flexibility to bend in a specific manner when the dispenser is tilted, enabling the plunger to move linearly and depress the valve stem. This dynamic design allows the segment to maintain sufficient strength while achieving the required motion translation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 a single dispenser to be used on both tilting and Pageris-type valves, enhancing versatility and allowing easy one-handed operation, while maintaining fluid communication and secure attachment to the can.

Implementation Method 1

The adapter translates the tilting action of the dispenser to a compressing action required to open a Pageris-type valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical leverage: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3774590B1Dispenser adapter
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 DDP SPECIALTY ELECTRONICS MATERIALS US LLC
  • EP3774590B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3774590B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3774590B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

An article includes an adapter (10) having a flow channel (50) extending through it, where the adapter includes a base (20), a neck (40), a bendable segment (30) attached to the base and neck and positioned between the base and neck, and a plunger (60) attached to the neck or (40) bendable segment (30) and extending within the flow channel in the bendable segment.