Overcap Drive Unit Radial Valve Stem Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated valve activation systems for aerosol containers with tilt-activated valve stems are complex, difficult to manufacture, and consume excessive power, making them unsuitable for compact overcaps and requiring higher power sources.
Innovation Solution
A compact overcap with a drive unit, including a camming member and displacement member, that radially displaces the tilt-activated valve stem in response to a signal from a sensor or motor, reducing the complexity and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated actuator mechanisms are used, then automated valve activation is achieved, but the system becomes complex, large, and power-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of automated activation from complex motor-driven linkages and implements it through a simplified cam mechanism that converts rotational motion directly into the radial displacement needed to activate the valve stem, eliminating unnecessary intermediate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex motor-driven mechanical linkages with a cam-based mechanical system that achieves the same activation function with fewer parts, reducing both complexity and power requirements while maintaining automated operation
2Extent of automation
If conventional automated actuator mechanisms are used, then automated valve activation is achieved, but the system consumes excessive power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential activation function from power-intensive motor systems and implements it through a cam mechanism that requires minimal power to operate, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining automated capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes motor-driven actuation with a cam-based mechanical system that converts small amounts of rotational energy into the radial displacement needed for valve activation, dramatically reducing power requirements
3Extent of automation
If conventional automated actuator mechanisms are used, then automated valve activation is achieved, but the system is too large to fit in an overcap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core activation function from bulky actuator mechanisms and implements it through a compact cam and follower arrangement that fits within the limited space of an overcap while maintaining automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the cam mechanism, displacement member, and valve stem activation components within the confined space of the overcap housing, arranging parts efficiently to achieve automated function in a compact form factor
4Extent of automation
If complex automated systems are used, then automated valve activation is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential activation function from complex multi-component systems and implements it through a simple cam mechanism with few parts, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining automated capability
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 efficient, low-power activation of aerosol containers, allowing for simpler, smaller, and less costly automated designs with extended power source life, while maintaining effective dispensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit includes a camming member adapted to impinge the flange of the displacement member and radially displace the displacement member
Data Source
AI summary
A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to be releasably mounted on a container having a tilt-activated valve stem. The housing includes a discharge orifice. A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit is activated in response to a signal from at least a sensor, and wherein the drive unit is adapted to radially displace the tilt-activated valve stem in response to the signal.