Monolithic Spray Cap Locking Member Design

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spray caps with locking members to prevent accidental discharge are complex, requiring multiple parts and elaborate assembly procedures, which complicates manufacturing and user operation.

Innovation Solution

A monolithic spray cap with a locking member and actuating member, where the locking member directly engages with the actuating member to restrict movement, preventing accidental discharge, and featuring a snap member to hold the locking member in its releasing position for ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate locking member is used to prevent accidental discharge, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental dischargeVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member and actuating member are merged into a single monolithically formed component. The locking member includes an actuating portion that directly engages the actuating member, eliminating the need for separate locking and actuating parts while maintaining the safety function of preventing accidental discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monolithic locking member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a locking mechanism to prevent accidental discharge and an actuating mechanism to enable intentional activation. The actuating portion of the locking member directly interacts with the actuating member, combining security and operational functions in one component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate locking member is used, then safety is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to multiple production lines and assembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental dischargeVSAvoidassembly procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member and actuating member are merged into a single monolithically formed component. The locking member includes an actuating portion that directly engages the actuating member, eliminating the need for separate locking and actuating parts while maintaining the safety function of preventing accidental discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a separate locking member is used, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to repeated locking and unlocking actions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental dischargeVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The monolithic locking member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a locking mechanism to prevent accidental discharge and an actuating mechanism to enable intentional activation. The actuating portion of the locking member directly interacts with the actuating member, combining security and operational functions in one component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4087795B1One-piece spray cap with monolithically formed locking member and actuating member

Publication Date: 2025.03.05 WEENER PLASTICS GRP BV

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C

AI summary

A spray cap comprises a cap body for mounting on an aerosol container. A duct defines a spray channel having a spray nozzle at one end can be connected to a dispensing mechanism of the aerosol container. An actuating member, is monolithically formed with the cap body and coupled with the duct, to activate the dispensing mechanism. A locking member, monolithically formed with the cap body, is pivotable with respect to the cap body. The locking member has a locking position in which it restricts movement of the actuating member relative to the cap body and a releasing position in which it allows movement of the actuating member relative to the cap body. In the locking position, the locking member and the actuating member are in engagement, and in the releasing position the locking member and actuating member are disengaged. The actuating member is pivotable with respect to the cap body by means of a flexible connection.