Volatile Material Dispenser Cam Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated activation systems for tilt-activated aerosol valve assemblies are complex, cumbersome, and inefficient, leading to high power consumption and limited adaptability for stand-alone or hand-held use.
Innovation Solution
A volatile material dispenser with a housing that includes a resilient retaining structure for a tilt-activated valve stem and an electric drive unit featuring a cam mechanism to impart transverse motion to the container, reducing activation forces and improving power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional motor driven linkages are used to activate the valve stem, then automated activation is achieved, but the system becomes unwieldy and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cam mechanism from the complex motor-driven linkage system, using a simple cam that can be directly driven by a small motor or even manual actuation. The cam's geometric profile directly translates rotational or linear motion into the required transverse displacement of the valve stem, eliminating the need for complex intermediate linkages and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated activation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying force axially to depress the valve stem (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by applying transverse force to tilt the valve stem. This inversion allows the use of a cam mechanism that converts simple rotational motion into the required transverse displacement, achieving automated activation with much simpler and more power-efficient mechanisms
2Extent of automation
If motor driven linkages are used for automated activation, then valve opening is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential activation function from complex motor-driven linkages, using a simple cam mechanism that requires minimal power to operate. The cam's geometric design provides mechanical advantage, allowing a small motor or even manual force to generate sufficient transverse displacement of the valve stem with very low power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a cam mechanism that uses geometric profile rather than multiple moving parts to achieve the required motion transformation. This substitution dramatically reduces friction losses and mechanical inefficiencies, resulting in lower power consumption for automated activation
3Extent of automation
If axial depression of valve stem is used, then valve opening is achieved, but activation force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by instead of depressing the valve stem axially, tilting the valve stem transverse to its axis. This inversion changes the force application point and direction, allowing activation with significantly reduced force requirements as the cam mechanism leverages the valve stem's tilt geometry to open the valve
4Extent of automation
If complex motor and gear mechanisms are used, then automated activation is achieved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core activation function from bulky motor and gear mechanisms, implementing it through a compact cam mechanism. The cam can be directly mounted on a small motor shaft or even actuated manually, eliminating the need for large gear reductions and complex transmissions, thereby dramatically reducing the volume of the automated activation system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional activation approach, using transverse tilting instead of axial depression. This inversion enables the use of a compact cam mechanism that requires minimal space compared to the large motor and gear assemblies needed for axial valve stem actuation, thus reducing overall system size
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 enables more efficient and reliable operation with reduced power consumption, allowing for smaller, more adaptable, and cost-effective automated systems that can effectively dispense volatile materials from aerosol containers.
Implementation Method 1
An electric drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit includes a cam for engaging a portion of the container to actuate the valve stem
Implementation Method 2
The housing includes a resilient retaining structure. The resilient retaining structure is adapted to retain a portion of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a container that includes a tilt-activated valve stem. The housing includes a resilient retaining structure. The resilient retaining structure is adapted to retain a portion of the container. An electric drive unit is disposed within the housing. The drive unit includes a cam for engaging a portion of the container to actuate the valve stem.