Pressurized Paint Can Dispensing Valve with Piercing Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressurized paint cans pose disposal challenges due to difficulty in depressurizing and the risk of explosion or hazardous chemical residue, as applying heat or crushing can increase internal pressure and lead to explosions or chemical hazards.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a valve body, an adaptor with a piercing member, and a nozzle that allows for safe depressurization and efficient dispensing of paint from pressurized containers by piercing a membrane and allowing the paint to flow out under pressure, with a pressure relief valve to manage internal pressure safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a pressurized paint can is disposed of by burning or crushing, then the paint can be disposed of quickly, but the internal pressure increases and causes explosion risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a depressurization valve that allows users to safely release internal pressure before disposal. The valve includes a needle that pierces a membrane to vent pressure, eliminating the explosion hazard before the can is crushed or burned for disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism - a depressurization valve with a membrane and needle - that mediates between the pressurized contents and the external environment. This intermediary allows controlled pressure release without direct exposure to harmful disposal methods, resolving the contradiction between quick disposal and safety.
2Ease of operation
If a pressurized paint can is disposed of without depressurization, then the disposal process is simple, but paint residue remains and creates hazardous chemical risks
Solution Approach 1:
The depressurization valve enables preliminary action by allowing users to vent pressure and discharge paint residue before disposal. This preliminary step removes hazardous chemicals from the can, making subsequent disposal simple and safe without leaving dangerous residues.
3Productivity
If a laterally displaced nozzle is integrated into the paint can, then paint dispensing is efficient, but the can cannot be easily depressurized after use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the dispensing function (nozzle) from the depressurization function (valve with membrane). The nozzle remains integrated for efficient paint application, while the separate depressurization mechanism on the bottom of the can enables easy pressure release without interfering with the nozzle's dispensing efficiency.
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
Enables safe and complete dispensing of paint, reducing the risk of explosions and hazardous residues, allowing for easy disposal of the paint can and potential reuse of the apparatus with another container.
Implementation Method 1
dispensing a paint fluid from an associated paint container under a pressure greater than ambient
Implementation Method 2
A second problem is once the user has sprayed all the dispensable paint, some amount of the paint remains in the can. Both of these conditions lead to problems when the user needs to dispose of the paint can. The paint can may explode if one tries to burn or crush it. The applied heat or the crushing action will increase the paint can's internal pressure and thus an explosion risk is presented.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid dispensing apparatus may be used to dispense a paint fluid from a paint container 10 that is under pressure and that has a pierceable membrane 15. The fluid dispensing apparatus may include a valve body 30 having a bore, an adaptor 20 having a bore and a piercing member 27, and a nozzle 31 having a bore. The fluid dispensing apparatus may be operable to pierce the pierceable membrane 15 to communicate the paint within the paint container 10 with the adaptor bore and with the valve body bore. The nozzle may be operable to permit the paint to flow under the pressure out of the paint container 10, through the adaptor bore, through the valve body bore and through the nozzle bore to ambient.