Modular Spraying Device with Segmented Housing for Compact Refill Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for spraying fragrances, deodorizing agents, and pest control materials face issues with refill compatibility and placement, leading to confusion for consumers and increased packaging costs due to their larger size compared to refills, which results in inefficient shelf placement and limited fragrance variety options.
Innovation Solution
A spraying device with a modular design allowing for a packaged configuration that reduces volume, enabling it to be placed on the same shelf as refills, featuring a top and base portion that engage via contact means, an alignment mechanism for correct refill orientation, and refill straps for secure positioning, facilitating easy reconfiguration by users for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spraying device is designed with a housing that completely surrounds the refill, then the refill is securely held and protected, but the device volume increases making it impossible to place on the same shelf as refills
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a base portion and a top portion that can be separated. The base portion contains the actuation mechanism and provides structural support, while the top portion encloses the refill. This segmentation allows the device to be disassembled into a compact form for shelving while providing full enclosure when assembled for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions from a static enclosed structure to a dynamic assembly that can be opened and closed. The reversible connection between the base portion and top portion allows the housing to adapt between a compact stored state (for shelving) and an operational enclosed state (for securing the refill during use).
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to accept various refill types, then fragrance variety is improved, but refill compatibility confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates specific local features such as a support channel with particular dimensions and an actuation arm with specific engagement characteristics. These localized design elements create a matched interface system where only refills with corresponding features can be properly installed, providing implicit compatibility information through physical fit rather than requiring explicit labeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The support channel acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the refill. It provides a standardized interface that mediates the connection, ensuring that only compatible refills can be inserted and properly positioned. This intermediary structure translates the compatibility requirements into physical constraints that guide correct refill selection.
3Manufacturing precision
If the spray head is laterally supported during actuation, then accurate spraying is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support channel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it laterally supports the spray head during actuation to ensure accurate spraying, and it also guides the refill into the correct position during installation. By combining these two functions into a single structural element, the device achieves precise spray control without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation arm is designed with multi-functionality: it provides the mechanical force to actuate the spray mechanism, and it also works in conjunction with the support channel to laterally support the spray head. This multi-functional design achieves spray accuracy without requiring separate dedicated support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A spraying device for spraying fluid from a replaceable refill is described wherein the refill possesses a refill body containing a reservoir of fluid to be sprayed, a valve stem in fluid communication with the reservoir and a spray head mounted on the valve stem, the spray head having an exit nozzle, wherein the spray device comprises:a housing formed from an top portion and a base portion which are releasably connectable with each other through contact between engagement means on each portion, wherein the top portion comprises:a cavity configured to house at least an top portion of the refill therein;a top surface and an engagement surface having an top portion housing wall therebetween, wherein the top portion housing wall has a thickness;an actuation mechanism configured, in use, to actuate the spray head to spray fluid via the exit nozzle;a spray opening configured to permit, in use, sprayed fluid to exit the device into the surrounding environment;and wherein the base portion comprises:a cavity configured to house at least a base portion of the refill therein said cavity being defined by a cavity wall and a support platform configured, in use, to support the refill at a predefined position in the cavity;the base portion being provided with an engagement surface and a bottom surface and a base portion housing wall therebetween;wherein the base portion housing wall at least adjacent the bottom surface is spaced apart from the cavity wall by at least the predefined top housing wall thickness to define a top portion receiving channel; and whereby the device facilitates an operational configuration wherein the top portion and the base portion of the housing are engaged with each other by their respective engagement means with the refill located within the respective cavities; and wherein the device facilitates a packaged configuration wherein at least the engagement means and at least a some of the top portion housing wall of the top portion are located within the top portion receiving channel.