Flexible Container Dispenser Eliminates Propellant Flammability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol cans pose safety hazards due to flammable propellants, making recycling and disposal challenging, and existing alternatives have been unsatisfactory in providing effective spray solutions without the can and propellant.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a flexible, crushable container within a dispenser that generates hydrostatic pressure to spray products without propellants, using either a plunger mechanism or an electric motor-powered pump to maintain pressure for efficient dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aerosol cans with propellants are used, then spray performance is achieved, but flammability hazards and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the propellant from the aerosol system entirely, extracting only the harmful element while retaining the sprayable material in a flexible container. This eliminates flammability hazards while maintaining spray functionality through alternative pressurization methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible container as an intermediary between the spray material and the dispensing mechanism, replacing the traditional rigid aerosol can. This flexible container can be crushed to generate pressure, serving as a safe intermediary that eliminates propellant-related hazards while enabling spray delivery.
2Reliability
If rigid aerosol cans are used, then product containment and safety are ensured, but manufacturing complexity and recycling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid metal aerosol cans with flexible containers made of thin-film materials. These flexible containers are simpler to manufacture and dispose of, eliminating the need for complex recycling infrastructure while maintaining product containment through the flexibility and crushability of the material.
3Productivity
If propellants are used to create pressure, then spray dispensing efficiency is improved, but environmental pollution and safety hazards worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of pressurization into a benefit by using the crushability of the flexible container itself to generate the necessary pressure for spray dispensing. Instead of using harmful propellants, the system utilizes the mechanical deformation of the container as the pressurization mechanism, eliminating environmental pollution while maintaining dispensing efficiency.
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
This solution eliminates flammability concerns while maintaining the performance of aerosol spray applications, allowing for safe and efficient use and recycling of aerosol products.
Implementation Method 1
A dispenser having an elongated housing is provided for receiving the bag. The dispenser is a gun type device that uses a plunger to apply force to the bottom of the bag while the top of the bag with the valve and spray tip is held securely in a slot or valve seat in the other end of the housing. The force exerted by the plunger within the housing creates the hydrostatic pressure inside the bag needed to spray the product through the valve and spray tip.
Implementation Method 2
A first trigger and handle on the device are squeezed together to exert force on the plunger. This, in turn, compresses a container spring creating the hydrostatic pressure inside the bag. As the product is dispensed, the bag collapses and the container spring extends to its free length.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dispensing sprayable material such as paint and other liquefied products. The system includes a dispenser such as a marking stick or other commercially available dispenser. The dispenser is configured to accept a container housed inside a cartridge and filled with sprayable material. The sprayable material is sprayed through a valve and spray tip at one end of the cartridge. An electrically powered motor assembly is removably coupled to the cartridge. The motor is used to power a pump that is incorporated in the cartridge to draw the sprayable material from the container. The material is pumped from the container and delivered through a tube to a spray head. The pressure generated by the pump inside the container and the tube are sufficient to spray the product through the valve and spray tip when valve is opened.