Single-Piece Molded Spray Head With Angled Outlet

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spray head devices for aerosol canisters require complex construction and the use of inserts to achieve desired spray characteristics, which complicates assembly and manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A spray head design that adjusts the output angle of the outlet section to achieve suitable spray characteristics without the need for an insert, utilizing a single-piece molded construction with an angled outlet and optional wings for stability and correct orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an insert is used in the outlet section to achieve desired spray characteristics, then spray performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the insert and outlet section into a single integrated outlet section molded from a single piece of material. The outlet section incorporates features previously requiring a separate insert, including the spray hole arrangement and internal geometry, thereby reducing part count and assembly complexity while maintaining spray performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet section is designed to perform multiple functions that previously required separate components: it provides structural support, defines the spray hole geometry, controls spray pattern, and ensures proper alignment with the inlet section, all within a single universal component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a two-piece construction with insert is used, then spray characteristics can be optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray characteristicsVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet section is molded as a single piece from a single material, eliminating the need for separate insert manufacturing, machining, and assembly operations. This simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining precise spray hole geometry through mold design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows optimization of spray characteristics through parameters of the single-piece outlet section such as spray hole diameter, spray hole angle, and outlet section geometry, which can be controlled during the molding process to achieve desired spray patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If an insert is incorporated in the outlet section, then spray output control is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray output controlVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet section is formed as a single integrated component with the inlet section, eliminating the insert assembly step. The spray output control features are built into the outlet section geometry itself, requiring no separate assembly operations while maintaining precise control over spray characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3448779B1Modified spray head
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 RECKITT BENCKISER (BRANDS) LTD
  • EP3448779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3448779B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3448779B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a modified spray head (1) suitable for use with an aerosol composition, with an inlet section (3) having an opening (2) adapted to receive avalve stem of a spray material container. Preferably the spray head is suitable for use with an automatic aerosol dispensing device. The spray comprises a single piece of moulded plastic and an angled outlet section (4).