Locking Aerosol Dispenser With Rotatable Base Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol dispensers are often overly complex to manufacture, require excessive force for operation, are prone to leaking, and vulnerable to damage from misuse or handling due to inadequate structural robustness.
Innovation Solution
A locking aerosol dispenser design featuring a rotatable base lock member with a bridge and unlocking slots, a non-rotatable dome member, and a thermoplastic elastomeric button that captures the base lock member, allowing easy rotation between locked and unlocked positions while preventing accidental actuation and providing visual indication of operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking aerosol dispenser uses complex interrelating parts to prevent accidental actuation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into distinct functional modules: a base lock member with bridge and unlocking slots, a dome member with product channel, and a button member. Each module performs a specific function and can be manufactured separately, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability through modular interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted into a separate base lock member that can rotate independently. This member includes a bridge with unlocking slots that selectively engage with the product channel, separating the locking mechanism from the actuation mechanism to simplify the overall design.
2Strength
If the dispenser structure is made robust to prevent damage from top loads, then strength is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robust structure is achieved through segmented components: the base lock member with its bridge, the dome member with integrated product channel, and the button member. Each component can be molded separately using standard thermoplastic elastomer processes, then assembled through simple attachment to the mounting cup, maintaining manufacturability while providing structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser utilizes composite construction with a thermoplastic elastomer button member molded over the dome member and product channel. This composite approach combines the flexibility of elastomer with the structural integrity of the molded components, creating a robust assembly that resists top loads while remaining easy to manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If the bridge member includes unlocking slots for product channel engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is segmented into distinct features: the bridge body, the unlocking slots, and the central opening. This segmentation allows the bridge to interact selectively with the product channel at specific positions (locked and unlocked), providing easy operation through simple rotational movement while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking slots in the bridge act as intermediaries between the rotational position of the base lock member and the actuation of the product channel. When the base lock member rotates to the unlocked position, the slots allow the product channel to engage and be actuated, providing a simple mechanical intermediary that enables easy operation without complex mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the product channel moves easily up and down due to button resiliency, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may decrease due to excessive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The button member is designed with local quality variations: it is resilient where needed to allow easy upward movement for actuation, but constrained by the bridge structure and mounting cup where control is needed. The bridge includes unlocking slots that provide controlled engagement points, allowing the product channel to move easily during actuation while preventing excessive or uncontrolled movement, thus maintaining reliability.
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 results in a robust, easily assembled, and user-friendly aerosol dispenser that requires less force for actuation, prevents damage from excessive pressure, and ensures reliable operation with clear indication of its operational status.
Implementation Method 1
The product channel moves easily up and down due to the resiliency of the button member
Data Source
AI summary
A locking aerosol dispenser with a dome, a top thermoplastic elastomeric button member molded over a dome opening, and a base lock member. The rotatable base lock rotates from locked to unlocked position with respect to the essentially non-rotatable dome. A product channel member in the dome is held by the elastomeric button, and not otherwise attached to the dome. The base lock has an upstanding bridge with unlocking slots within which extend fingers on the product channel member when the dispenser is unlocked and actuated. The base lock is not attached to the aerosol valve mounting cup. The dome is attached to the base lock member and the aerosol valve mounting cup, the dome capturing the base lock member between the dome and aerosol container.