Inhaler Housing Threaded Cam Self-Locking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensers, particularly inhalers, are complex and have many components, making them unsuitable for use as disposable products and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser design featuring two housing components that move relative to each other in a superimposed axial and rotary movement via a threaded device with a helical groove and cam, allowing for simplified assembly and intuitive control of the discharge mechanism, including a self-locking configuration and blocking section for secure joining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connection with helical groove and cam is used for joining housing components, then the assembly is self-locking and reliable, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is divided into two functional sections: an axially extending insertion groove for easy assembly and a helical-section groove for self-locking. This segmentation allows the threaded cam to be easily inserted axially while automatically engaging the helical groove to provide self-locking, thus resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The groove transitions from a static axial insertion path to a dynamic helical engagement path. During assembly, the threaded cam first moves axially through the insertion groove, then automatically engages the helical groove which provides self-locking. This dynamic transition enables both easy assembly and reliable locking without complex procedures
2Reliability
If multiple housing components are used to achieve precise guidance and self-locking, then the connection is more reliable, but the manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion groove and helical groove are merged into a single integrated groove structure. This unified design combines the guidance function of the insertion groove with the self-locking function of the helical groove, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single groove structure serves multiple functions: it provides axial guidance during insertion, enables self-locking through the helical section, and maintains precise relative positioning of housing components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable connection
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 design simplifies assembly, reduces production costs, and provides intuitive and reliable operation for dispensing liquids, ensuring the components remain fixed during use while allowing for easy opening and closing of the outlet valve.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded device (80) arranged between the base (40) and the discharge head (60), wherein the base (40) has a threaded groove (84B) and the discharge head (60) has a threaded cam (82)
Implementation Method 2
the helical groove has a shape that, together with the threaded cam, results in self-locking during the tightening process following the axial assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Dispensing devices (30) for a liquid dispenser (10) for dispensing cosmetic or pharmaceutical liquids, in particular in the form of a dispensing device for an inhaler, are known from the prior art. It is proposed that a base (40) of the dispensing device comprises a first component with a sleeve-shaped guide section (44) and that the dispensing head (60) comprises a second component (62) with a sleeve-shaped guide section (66). A threaded connection (80) is provided between an outer surface of the guide section (44) of the base (40) and an inner surface of the guide section (66) of the dispensing head (60). The dispensing head (60) further comprises an inlet tube (74) which projects into the guide section (44) of the base (40) and is centered there by means of a sliding sleeve (50) provided on the base (40).