Flexible Bushing with Locking Fingers for Aerosol Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bushings do not effectively lock into place to prohibit movement, leading to cumbersome installation and increased risk of unintentional actuation, particularly in aerosol container applications where axial motion is not restricted.
Innovation Solution
A bushing design featuring a cylindrical base with axial walls and flexible locking fingers that compress and expand to securely lock into a cylindrical opening, utilizing a collar assembly with a shelf to trap the locking fingers, preventing removal once installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap assembly uses an inner lip with slits to attach to a container, then the cap can be permanently attached to the container, but the cap requires manual manipulation and pressing which is cumbersome and increases the risk of unintentional actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is designed to automatically expand and lock into the cylindrical opening without requiring manual manipulation. The resilient locking fingers self-expand to engage the container opening, and the tapered outer surface enables automatic compression during insertion, allowing the system to attach itself without user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The locking fingers are designed with resilient properties that allow them to dynamically change shape - compressing during insertion and expanding to lock in place. This dynamic behavior enables the transition from a compressed state during installation to an expanded locked state, eliminating the need for manual pressing operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bushing is designed to guide motion with looped arms, then the bushing can translate linear movement to rotational movement, but the bushing cannot restrict axial motion or lock in place
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is segmented into multiple functional components: a base portion for structural support, axial walls for guiding motion, and resilient locking fingers for restricting axial motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides motion through the axial walls, translates linear to rotational movement through the base, and restricts axial motion through the locking fingers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function
3Reliability
If a bushing has locking fingers that extend beyond the wall axial extent, then the bushing can lock into place to prohibit movement, but the locking fingers require compression force to install
Solution Approach 1:
The locking fingers are designed with varying axial extents - the resilient locking fingers extend beyond the axial extent of the axial walls, creating a parameter difference that enables automatic locking. The tapered outer surface parameter allows the fingers to be compressed during installation and then expand to the extended position for locking
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 bushing efficiently locks into place, ensuring secure installation and preventing axial motion, thereby enhancing safety and ease of assembly by eliminating the need for manual manipulation and reducing the risk of unintentional actuation.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible locking finger compresses toward the bore when a force is applied to the tapered outer surface
Implementation Method 2
the flexible locking finger compresses toward the bore when a force is applied to the tapered outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A bushing for insertion into a cylindrical opening is disclosed having a first radius, the bushing comprising a cylindrical base having a top surface, an axial bore through the base, a plurality of walls extending axially from the top surface of the base to a first axial extent and circumscribing the bore, a plurality of locking fingers extending axially from the base and circumscribing the bore alternatingly with the plurality of walls, the plurality of locking fingers extending axially to a second axial extent less than the first axial extent and each locking finger having a tapered outer surface tapering outward from the base, wherein the plurality of locking fingers compress toward the bore when a force is applied to the tapered outer surface. A collar assembly is also disclosed utilizing the bushing to permanently lock the collar to a container such as an aerosol container.