Molded Plastic Pivot-Spring for Aerosol Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol canister dispensing mechanisms are cumbersome and potentially dangerous due to the need for multiple movements to dispense contents, and there is a need for a simple, cost-effective spring mechanism that can be made of plastic to minimize manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A pivot-spring assembly with a flexible tongue, lid tabs, dowels, and guides arranged on a flange, which allows for a single linear motion to dispense contents from an aerosol canister, featuring a molded plastic construction for cost-effectiveness and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional multi-component actuator system is used, then the dispensing mechanism can be made functional, but the number of user movements required increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator body, spring mechanism, and nozzle into a single integrated molded plastic component. The actuator includes an integrated spring, cam mechanism, and valve assembly that all move together as one unit when the user presses the button, eliminating the need for separate moving parts and reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded plastic actuator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the housing structure, contains the spring mechanism, provides the cam for valve actuation, and directs the spray through the nozzle. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
2Reliability
If metal spring components are used, then the spring mechanism can be made durable, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metal spring components with a molded plastic spring mechanism that is designed to be cost-effective. The plastic spring is engineered to provide the necessary mechanical action for a limited service life, accepting that it may wear or deform over time in exchange for significantly reduced manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, and modifies the spring geometry to compensate for the lower strength of plastic. The spring is designed with optimized thickness, curvature, and engagement points to achieve the required force characteristics using plastic material instead of metal.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are used in the actuator, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components (actuator housing, spring, cam, valve, nozzle) into a single molded plastic piece. This eliminates the need for assembly operations and ensures precise functional relationships between components are built-in during molding rather than requiring post-assembly adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional relationships between components are pre-established during the molding process itself. The spring is pre-formed with the correct tension, the cam is pre-positioned with the correct geometry, and the valve is pre-aligned with the nozzle, all during a single molding operation rather than requiring separate assembly steps.
4Reliability
If a complex multi-part lid mechanism is used, then the safety and control functions can be achieved, but the time required to open and close the lid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid mechanism integrates the safety lock, release button, and spray actuator into a single molded assembly. The user performs one pressing motion that simultaneously releases the safety lock and activates the spray mechanism, eliminating the need for separate lid opening and actuator pressing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded plastic actuator mechanism is designed to automatically perform multiple functions in sequence: when pressed, it simultaneously releases the safety latch, activates the spring-loaded cam, opens the valve, and directs spray through the nozzle, all without requiring additional user intervention or manual manipulation of separate components.
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 enables quick and efficient dispensing of aerosol contents with a single motion, enhancing user safety and reducing manufacturing costs by utilizing plastic materials for the spring mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tongue having an elongated slot
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot-spring assembly for dispersing contents from an aerosol canister, comprising a cover having an opening, a lid having at least one arm, a pivot-spring operatively arranged in the cover to rotatably secure the lid to the cover, and an actuator having a nozzle and non-rotatably secured on the pivot-spring. The actuator operatively arranged to engage a stem of the aerosol canister and disperse contents from the aerosol canister. The pivot-spring comprises a flexible tongue having an elongated slot, at least one lid tab operatively arranged to at least partially enclose the at least one arm, at least one dowel, and at least one guide, wherein the flexible tongue, the at least one lid tab, the at least one dowel, and the at least one guide are vertically arranged on a flange.