Invertible Trigger Sprayer Gravity Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held spray bottles require manual rotation of a valve to select between spraying and applying fluid to a surface, which is inconvenient and prone to errors due to accidental misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser with an outlet valve mechanism that automatically directs fluid to either a spray outlet or an application outlet based on the device's orientation, using gravity to move a movable outlet member between positions, eliminating the need for manual valve rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual rotatable valve is used to select between spray nozzle and applicator pad dispensing, then the device can selectively dispense fluid through different outlets, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming due to manual rotation required
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism automatically directs fluid flow based on the bottle's orientation without requiring manual operation. When the bottle is upright, the valve directs fluid to the spray nozzle; when inverted, it directs fluid to the applicator pad outlet, making the system self-regulating
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism dynamically responds to changes in bottle orientation by automatically adjusting fluid flow direction. The internal valve components move in response to gravity and pressure changes caused by inversion, seamlessly switching between spray and pad dispensing modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual rotatable valve is used to select dispensing outlet, then the device can control fluid flow direction, but errors occur due to accidental rotation or forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the correct outlet based on bottle orientation, eliminating human error. The valve mechanism responds to physical orientation changes, ensuring fluid is always directed to the appropriate outlet (spray nozzle when upright, applicator pad when inverted) without user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism provides automatic feedback based on bottle orientation and fluid pressure. The internal components detect the inverted state through pressure changes and gravity, automatically switching flow direction to prevent accidental dispensing from the wrong outlet
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bottle is inverted to use the applicator tool, then the application tool can be applied to upwardly facing surfaces, but the inlet valve mechanism must adapt to draw fluid from different reservoir portions
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet valve mechanism is segmented into multiple outlets positioned at different heights within the reservoir. When upright, the lower outlet draws fluid; when inverted, the upper outlet draws fluid, allowing the system to adapt to different orientations without a complex moving valve mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet valve mechanism dynamically adapts to bottle orientation through gravity-driven fluid flow. The segmented outlet design allows fluid to naturally flow to the appropriate inlet based on orientation, eliminating the need for mechanically complex orientation-sensing valves
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
Enables convenient and accurate dispensing of fluid as a stream or into an application tool without manual valve adjustment, ensuring correct orientation-dependent functionality and continuous operation as the fluid level depletes.
Implementation Method 1
The outlet valve mechanism uses the force of gravity to direct the fluid to the correct fluid outlet depending on the orientation of the dispenser. In particular, the outlet valve mechanism includes a movable outlet member, such as a ball, that is located at a first position when the dispenser is in the first orientation, and at a second position when the dispenser is in the second orientation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A fluid dispenser having a first fluid outlet for dispensing fluid when in a first orientation and a second fluid outlet for dispensing fluid when in a second orientation. An outlet valve mechanism directs the fluid towards the first fluid outlet in the first orientation, and towards the second fluid outlet when in the second orientation. The outlet valve mechanism includes a movable outlet member that is located at a first position when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, and is located at a second position when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation.