Fan Orifice Dispensing Closure for Low-Pressure Spray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensing closures for squeeze-type containers do not effectively produce a fan-type spray in low-pressure environments, which is necessary for applications like cleaning surfaces efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing closure system with a squeezable container and a closure body that includes a flow conduit with a non-planar dispensing tip portion, allowing for a fan-type discharge when the container is inverted and squeezed, featuring a sealing mechanism to prevent liquid flow until the container is deformed, and a latching mechanism for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional dispensing closures are used in low-pressure environments, then the container can be easily squeezed and operated, but the liquid discharge does not form an effective fan-type spray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the dispensing orifice from conventional circular shapes to non-circular shapes (such as rectangular, slot, or fan-shaped openings). This parameter change allows the liquid to discharge in a fan-type spray pattern even at low pressures less than 5 psi, resolving the contradiction between easy operation and reliable spray effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional characteristic to the orifice by using non-circular geometries that extend in multiple directions rather than a single radial direction. This dimensional change enables the liquid stream to spread out in a fan pattern across a wider area, achieving effective surface coverage without requiring high pressure
2Reliability
If high pressure is used to produce spray, then fan-type discharge can be achieved, but the container becomes difficult to squeeze and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the orifice geometry parameters from conventional high-pressure designs to low-pressure optimized shapes. The non-circular orifice design with specific aspect ratios and orientations enables fan-type spray at pressures less than 5 psi, eliminating the need for high pressure operation while maintaining spray effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The container design allows the user's simple squeezing action to directly generate the required low pressure without needing additional pumping or pressurization mechanisms. The system is self-sufficient, converting the user's manual compression directly into the fan-type spray through the specially designed orifice geometry
3Device complexity
If the dispensing tip has a planar surface, then the structure is simple, but liquid collection volume is insufficient for effective fan-type discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the planar tip surface with a curved, dome-shaped, or rounded surface configuration. This curvature creates an interior volume that collects and accumulates liquid before discharge, ensuring consistent fan-type spray patterns. The curved geometry naturally directs liquid flow toward the orifice while maintaining a compact structure
4Ease of manufacture
If the closure body is made rigid to maintain structure, then manufacturing is easier, but the stopping tabs cannot deform to engage with stopping lugs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the closure body. The main closure body remains rigid for structural integrity and ease of manufacture, while specific localized regions (the stopping tabs) are made of flexible material. This local quality differentiation allows the tabs to deform and engage with stopping lugs during operation while the overall structure remains easy to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping tabs are constructed from flexible material that can elastically deform during the latching operation. This flexibility allows the tabs to bend outward to engage with the stopping lugs on the container neck, providing secure positioning without requiring the entire closure body to be flexible or complex
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 consistent and efficient fan-type spray at low pressures (less than 5 psi), providing a wide stream of liquid for effective surface coverage, such as in cleaning tasks, while preventing liquid leakage until the container is opened.
Implementation Method 1
The flow conduit having an entrance orifice and an exit orifice at the dispensing tip portion... allows a flow of fluid to exit the exit orifice, the exit orifice being configured and arranged to discharge to produce a fan-type discharge when the squeeze-type container is inverted and squeezed
Implementation Method 2
The closure body being movable relative to the base between a closed position wherein the sealing tip portion of the sealing tube matingly engages the inner wall of the flow conduit in the area of the dispensing tip portion and prevents a flow of liquid from exiting the exit orifice
Implementation Method 3
said first pair of stopping tabs preventing rotation of the closure body from the closed position unless the flexible lower portion of the skirt is squeezed inwardly at opposed locations offset from the first stopping tabs to deform the lower portion of the skirt and move the first pair of stopping tabs outwardly beyond the stopping lugs
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing closure (80) for a squeeze-type container (900) produces a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment. The dispensing closure (80) includes an insert member (84) and a closure body (82). The insert member (84) has a base (88) configured and arranged to be seated within an open end of the squeeze-type container, a sealing tube (90) extending upwardly from the base, and a sealing tip portion (96) at the upper end of the sealing tube. The closure body (82) includes an upper deck (24), a skirt (22) depending downwardly from the upper deck, and a flow conduit (92) extending upwardly from the upper deck to provide a flow path from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure. An exit orifice (86) in the tip (94) of the flow conduit is configured to produce the fan-type spray.