Spring-Biased Flip Top Case for Aerosol Canister
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol canister cases require multiple cumbersome movements to dispense contents, and their spring mechanisms are often difficult to reassemble if they break, with manufacturing limitations that restrict the use of plastic materials.
Innovation Solution
A spring mechanism with a tapered flexible tongue and enlarged tip, integrated into a flip-top case design that minimizes movements for dispensing and allows for easy reassembly, using a plastic construction to reduce manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional spring mechanism with metal components is used, then the mechanism is reliable and durable, but the manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, transforming the spring mechanism into a molded plastic component with integrated spring functionality. This parameter change reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability through proper material selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses plastic material that combines structural support and spring functionality in a single composite component. The molded plastic part integrates the hinge, spring element, and mounting features, eliminating the need for separate metal spring components and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If the case flap is installed by spreading the material during molding, then the flap can be attached to the hinge, but the process requires timing constraints and cannot be performed after manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spring mechanism into distinct functional elements (spring element, hinge, mounting features) that are molded as separate components and then assembled. This segmentation allows the flap to be attached to the hinge through a simplified process that does not require spreading or timing constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hinge as an intermediary component that connects the flap to the case body. The hinge serves as a mediator that simplifies the attachment process, allowing the flap to be securely mounted without requiring material spreading or special timing during manufacturing
3Ease of operation
If multiple movements are required to dispense contents (press button, open lid, position finger, depress actuator), then the device can be controlled precisely, but the dispensing process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lid opening function with the actuator depression function into a single integrated action. The flip-top lid and actuator are positioned and configured so that one downward motion simultaneously opens the lid and activates the dispensing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate movements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the actuator and lid mechanism in advance so that the user's natural gripping and squeezing motion automatically performs the necessary actions in the correct sequence. The preliminary arrangement of components ensures that the dispensing action is triggered by a single intuitive motion without requiring deliberate step-by-step操作
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 simplifies the dispensing process by allowing a single linear motion to activate the aerosol, enhances reassembly, and enables cost-effective plastic manufacturing, improving user safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism comprising a spring element having a pair of arms separated by a gap
Implementation Method 2
The spring is spring-biased in the closed position
Implementation Method 3
a tapered flexible tongue with an enlarged tip, and a tapered slot extending longitudinally through the tongue, wherein the tapered flexible tongue is operatively arranged to bend such that the tip enters the gap and engages the pair of arms
Data Source
AI summary
A spring mechanism comprising a spring element having a pair of arms separated by a gap, a tapered flexible tongue with an enlarged tip, and a tapered slot extending longitudinally through the tongue, wherein the tapered flexible tongue is operatively arranged to bend such that the tip enters the gap and engages the pair of arms. A case for a canister capable of dispelling material is also disclosed using the spring mechanism to bias a lid in a closed position.