Dual Actuator Cap with Push Button and Trigger Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional actuating mechanisms for pressurized containers, such as buttons and triggers, have limitations in comfort and manufacturing complexity, with users preferring one over the other, and existing designs face challenges in switching costs and ergonomic issues.

Innovation Solution

A dual activated actuator cap with a housing featuring a push button and trigger mechanism, integrated gripping portions, and a nozzle system that includes a resilient member and hinging element for secure engagement with the container valve stem, allowing for dual actuation modes and improved user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a traditional actuating button is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the gripping and finger placement is awkward and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidgripping comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a push button mechanism and a trigger mechanism into a single actuator cap housing, allowing users to choose their preferred actuation style while maintaining a unified structure that is still manufacturable. The integrated design merges the simplicity of button construction with the ergonomic benefits of trigger-like gripping portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator cap is designed to accommodate both push button and trigger actuation modes within the same device, making it universally applicable to users who prefer either method. The dual-actuation design ensures functionality for diverse user preferences without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If an actuating trigger mechanism is used, then the gripping comfort is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to numerous parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping comfortVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates both actuation mechanisms into a single housing structure, reducing the overall number of separate components. By combining the push button and trigger mechanisms share common structural elements, the design achieves trigger-like comfort without the full complexity of a separate trigger system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dual actuation mechanism is provided, then user preference satisfaction is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation mode optionsVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator cap is designed to accommodate both push button and trigger actuation modes within the same device, making it universally applicable to users who prefer either method. The dual-actuation design ensures functionality for diverse user preferences without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines a push button mechanism and a trigger mechanism into a single actuator cap housing, allowing users to choose their preferred actuation style while maintaining a unified structure that is still manufacturable. The integrated design merges the simplicity of button construction with the ergonomic benefits of trigger-like gripping portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 dual activated actuator cap provides a comfortable and efficient dispensing solution by allowing both push button and trigger actuation, enhancing user experience and manufacturing feasibility through a unified design that addresses ergonomic and manufacturing challenges.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member and a hinging element. The actuator may include a first actuating member and a second actuating member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2552805B1Dual activated actuator cap
Publication Date: 2015.10.28 SC JOHNSON & SON INC
  • EP2552805B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2552805B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2552805B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A single piece actuator (100) includes first (152) and second (154) actuating members. A dispensing orifice (104) is disposed between the first and second actuating members. A manifold (250) is in fluid communication with the dispensing orifice. The manifold includes a base (254) adapted to impinge a valve stem (306) of a container (300) and place same in fluid communication withe the manifold.