Inverted Spray Valve With Mesh Filter Above Settled Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerosol dispensers face issues with clogging and inefficient dispensing when used in inverted positions, especially when dealing with products containing particulate matter, due to rapid propellant bleed-off and inadequate mesh filters.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with a mesh filter designed to prevent clogging, where the mesh filter is positioned above the settled particulate layer when the container is inverted, ensuring that the valve stem can open to dispense the product downward without clogging, and the mesh filter is integrated with the valve stem or spring cup to enhance securement and prevent particle accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional valve with dip tube is used for inverted dispensing, then the valve structure is simple, but the mesh filter clogs due to settled particles blocking the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh filter is inverted relative to conventional designs, with the filtered discharge end positioned above the settled particulate layer rather than below. This inversion allows the filter to draw product from above the particle settlement zone, preventing clogging while maintaining reliable dispensing of particulate-containing products in inverted position
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-point dip tube opening to a distributed filter surface area positioned in a different spatial dimension (above the particle layer). This dimensional change allows the filter to access product without contacting settled particles, resolving the clogging issue
2Reliability
If a mesh filter is placed at the bottom of the dip tube for particle filtration, then particles are filtered, but the filter clogs when particles settle at the bottom in inverted position
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh filter is positioned inverted relative to conventional designs, with its filtering surface located above the settled particulate layer. This allows the filter to maintain effectiveness by filtering particles from the product stream while avoiding contact with the settled particle bed that would cause clogging and reduce dispensing rate
3Productivity
If the mesh filter pore size is made large to prevent clogging, then particles can pass through, but the filtration effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the filter position to draw product from above the particle settlement zone, the system maintains effective filtration with smaller pore sizes since the filter is no longer exposed to the concentrated settled particles. This resolves the contradiction between pore size and filtration effectiveness
4Adaptability or versatility
If compressed gas propellant is used with vapor tap, then propellant can mix with product, but rapid bleed-off occurs causing pressure drop and product waste
Solution Approach 1:
The dip tube is removed entirely from the design, replacing it with a valve system that opens directly into the product chamber. This extraction of the dip tube eliminates the pathway for rapid propellant bleed-off through the tube, preventing pressure drops and product waste while maintaining compatibility with compressed gas propellants
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 allows for reliable and efficient dispensing of products with particulate matter in an inverted position, reducing waste and clogging issues by ensuring that the mesh filter is above the settled particles and securely connected to the valve stem, maintaining product flow without propellant loss.
Implementation Method 1
a mesh filter which avoids clogging of the valve during inverted dispensing
Implementation Method 2
when the container is inverted and the dispensing end is directed downward, the product can form a layer of settled particles extending upward from the dispensing end upward to a predetermined level
Data Source
AI summary
A product is disclosed for inverted spray dispensing of material that comprises at least some particulate matter. The dispensing end of the container is connected to a valve, which includes a valve that moves from a biased closed position to an open position to discharge the product downward through the valve, when the dispensing end of the container is directed downward. An inlet end of the valve is spaced vertically above the dispensing end of the container when the dispensing end of the container is directed downward. The inlet end of the valve or spring cup is connected to a mesh filter having a pore size at least as large as an average diameter of the solid particles. Even when the container and a layer of settled particles forms at the dispensing end of the container, valve and mesh filter are designed so that at a portion of the proximal end of the mesh filter is disposed above the layer of settled particles to prevent clogging of the mesh filter.