Hinged Trigger Overcap for Volatile Dispenser Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Volatile material dispensers, particularly those used by the elderly or individuals with disabilities, often require significant downward pressure to actuate the valve stem, which can be difficult due to conditions like arthritis, making it challenging to dispense contents efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An overcap design featuring a hinge-attached trigger with a contact portion that interacts with a fixture to actuate the valve stem, allowing for easier activation with less pressure, as the trigger can be pressed parallel to the fixture's plane, facilitating valve stem displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional downward-pressing trigger mechanism is used, then the valve stem can be actuated to dispense fluid, but significant downward pressure is required that is difficult for the elderly or persons with disabilities to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is inverted from the conventional downward-pressing motion to a side-pressing motion where the trigger is pressed sideways against the valve-connecting portion. This inversion changes the direction of applied force from vertical (downward) to horizontal (sideways), making it easier for users with limited hand strength to actuate the valve stem.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation force is applied in a different dimensional direction. Instead of pressing downward along the vertical axis, the trigger is pressed sideways along the horizontal axis, causing the valve-connecting portion to move sideways and actuate the valve stem. This dimensional change reduces the force requirement.
2Ease of operation
If the trigger is mounted to move freely within the overcap, then actuation may be easier, but the trigger may be accidentally displaced during transit
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure acts as an intermediary between the trigger and the valve-connecting portion. The guide structure includes a guide slot that receives the valve-connecting portion and allows it to move only in the intended sideways direction during actuation. This prevents accidental displacement during transit while still enabling proper actuation motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure provides localized constraint only in the directions where accidental displacement might occur, while leaving the actuation direction free. The guide slot allows movement along the actuation path but restricts movement in other directions, providing selective freedom of motion.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A volatile material dispenser (50) comprises a container (52) having a valve stem (68) with a discharge end and an overcap (54) mounted on the container (52), wherein the overcap (54) comprises: a housing adapted to be mounted on the container (52); a valve-connecting portion (130) adapted to engage the valve stem (68); a trigger (96) attached to the housing by a hinge (98); and a contact portion (120) disposed in the trigger (96) for applying pressure to the valve-connecting portion (130) to actuate the valve stem (68). Also disclosed is a fixture (150) extending from the valve-connecting portion (130); wherein the contact portion (120) is adapted to interact with the fixture (150) to apply said pressure to the valve-connecting portion (130); so as not to be accidentally displaced in transit the trigger (96) preferably does not extend outwardly past a footprint or outermost dimension of the container (52).