Fluid Dispensing Overcap Aperture and Fan Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing devices are complex and expensive, particularly for outdoor use, due to the need for precise control of emission characteristics to prevent overspray and contamination, and are often affected by wind, making them difficult to use and operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing device with a container housing, a fan for propelling fine droplets, and an actuator mechanism that includes a button and overcap for controlled fluid release, allowing for precise direction and distance of fluid dispersion, minimizing blow-back and ensuring targeted application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If complex components are used to control emission characteristics, then overspray and contamination are minimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple functional components: a container housing, a separate overcap with aperture, and an actuator assembly with button and valve. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the overcap controls directional emission through its aperture, the actuator controls fluid release timing, and the container housing provides structural support and fluid storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The overcap acts as an intermediary component between the container housing and the external environment. It features an aperture that selectively allows fluid emission in specific directions while blocking overspray. The overcap mediates between the pressurized fluid inside the container and the external atmosphere, controlling the emission characteristics without requiring complex electronic or mechanical control systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex components are used to control emission characteristics, then contamination is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The overcap is rotationally coupled to the actuator button, merging two functions into a single integrated component. The overcap both protects the button and provides the emission aperture. This merging simplifies the user interface - the user simply presses the button to activate the valve, and the overcap's aperture automatically controls the emission direction. The rotational coupling allows the overcap to be positioned at different angles to direct spray away from unintended areas.
3Productivity
If traditional dispensing devices are used, then fluid can be dispensed, but wind affects emission distribution causing deposition on unintended surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The overcap is designed to be rotatable relative to the container housing, providing dynamic adjustability of the emission direction. The user can rotate the overcap to different angular positions to compensate for wind direction and ensure that the fluid emission is directed toward the intended target area. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions without requiring complex active control systems.
4Area of stationary object
If pressurized fluid is used for outdoor spraying, then large area coverage is achieved, but blow-back affects the user
Solution Approach 1:
The overcap features an aperture with specific local geometric characteristics that control the emission pattern. The aperture is positioned and sized to create a focused spray pattern that directs fluid away from the user's face and hands. The local quality of the aperture geometry - its shape, size, and position on the overcap - is optimized to minimize blow-back while maintaining effective coverage area.
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 device provides a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for controlled fluid dispensing, reducing overspray and contamination risks by using a fan to direct droplets away from the user and allowing precise targeting of surfaces, even in windy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fan for propelling fine droplets
Data Source
AI summary
A container for fluid, including a container housing, a button atop the container housing, an overcap at least partially enclosing the button, the overcap having an orifice to allow flow of the fluid and an aperture for facilitating actuation of the button, the overcap further having a projecting member, and a fitting member disposed at least partially circumferentially about the container.