Lateral Actuation System for Nasal Spray Dispenser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispenser devices with lateral actuation for nasal sprays face issues such as radial stress-induced product misdirection, reliability problems, potential blockages, noise generation, and complex assembly, which can lead to user injury and inadequate product distribution.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser device with a lateral actuation system featuring a multidirectional ball joint and elastic elements for safe and reliable actuation, along with a guide surface to minimize radial stresses and ensure proper alignment, and a pre-assembled position for the support element to facilitate easy assembly and prevent accidental actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lateral actuation system is used, then user safety is improved (no axial force on dispensing head), but radial stresses are generated which can cause product misdirection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the actuation element and guide surface to optimize stress distribution. By carefully designing the shape, size, and orientation of these components, the system achieves lateral actuation while minimizing radial stress concentration that could cause product misdirection.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surface acts as an intermediary between the actuation element and the dispensing head. It translates the lateral motion of the actuation element into controlled axial movement of the dispensing head, mediating the force transmission to reduce harmful radial stresses.
2Reliability
If lateral actuation system with moving parts is used, then actuation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The actuation element incorporates both the lateral motion mechanism and the connection to the dispensing head, while the support element integrates the pivot mounting and guide functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular segments: a body, a reservoir assembly, and a lateral actuation assembly. The actuation element can be pre-assembled and tested independently before integration into the complete device, facilitating easier assembly and quality control.
3Ease of operation
If lateral actuation system is used, then actuation direction control is improved, but risks of malfunctioning occur in case of offset actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or spherical contact surfaces in the pivot joints and guide surfaces. These curved surfaces provide self-aligning characteristics that guide the actuation element into the correct motion path, tolerating slight offset actuation forces while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system incorporates dynamic elements such as elastic components or compliant mechanisms that can adapt to variations in actuation force direction. These dynamic features allow the system to self-correct minor misalignments during operation.
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 provides safe, reliable, and efficient actuation of the dispensing member, reducing the risk of injury and misdirection while simplifying the assembly process and minimizing noise, ensuring consistent and complete product distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element, such as an elastic blade, cooperating with said support element to urge said actuation element away from said support element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assembling a fluid product dispensing device, comprising the following steps: pre-assembling a first unit comprising a body (10) and a lateral actuation system (40) including a supporting element (42) mounted on the body (10) such that it can pivot about an axis (A), an actuation element (41) being mounted on the supporting element (42) such that it can pivot about an axis (B), said supporting element (42) comprising a pre-assembled position in which the lateral actuation system (40) is blocked; assembling a second unit, comprising a dispensing member (30), such as a pump or valve, mounted on a container (20) by means of a mounting ring (60), in the first pre-assembled unit; and moving the supporting element (42) from the pre-assembled position to a final assembled position which is axially offset in relation to the pre-assembled position and in which the actuation element (41) co-operates functionally with the mounting ring (60) in order to actuate the dispensing member (30) each time the lateral actuation system is actuated.