Multi-Nozzle Spray Can Adaptor for Precision Instrument Lubrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adaptors for spray cans used in lubricating precision instruments are prone to misplacement, wear, and breakage due to their small size and non-durable materials, and the use of multiple cans with different nozzles increases costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A multi-nozzle adaptor system with a body, nozzle-holders, an actuator, and a closure cap that allows for multiple nozzle configurations, featuring snap-catching coupling, magnetic, or threading mechanisms, and elastomeric seals to ensure secure attachment to various spray cans, reducing the need for multiple cans and minimizing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple spray cans with different nozzles are used for different instruments, then adaptability to various instrument types is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various instrument typesVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple cans and adaptors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor body is designed with multiple nozzle-holders that can accommodate different types of nozzles simultaneously. A single adaptor unit with multiple nozzles replaces the need for multiple separate spray cans, allowing one spray can to serve multiple instrument types through selective nozzle attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple nozzle-holders are integrated into a single adaptor body structure. The closure cap seals multiple openings in the adaptor body, combining what would have been separate spray cans into one unified system that reduces complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If adaptors are made small for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to misplacement and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability and ease of attachmentVSAvoidrisk of misplacement and breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If adaptors are made from non-durable material for cost reduction, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability worsens due to wear and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddurability against wear and breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor body is made from polypropylene plastic providing durability and chemical resistance. The closure cap uses elastomeric material for sealing properties. The actuator combines plastic components with an elastic element, creating a composite structure that balances manufacturing ease with reliability and wear resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If repeated attachment/detachment operations are performed, then adaptability is improved, but reliability worsens due to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch between nozzlesVSAvoidbreakage from repeated manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle-holders are designed with rotational capability, allowing nozzles to be positioned in different orientations. The coupling mechanism uses snap-catching action that provides secure attachment while allowing controlled manipulation. The actuator incorporates an elastic element that enables repeated pressing operations without degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9126746B2Adaptor for spray cans

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 SILVER

AI summary

Adaptors for spray cans are provided. Such adaptors may include a body which may be positioned on the neck of a can and an actuator for operating the dispenser nozzle of the spray can, and a plurality of nozzle-holders, each of which can be joined to a nozzle for dispensing to a mechanical instrument.