Plastic Spray Nozzle Assembly for Aerosol Cans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray nozzle arrangements for aerosol cans are expensive to manufacture and require individual processing and assembly, limiting their economic production and flexibility for various spray applications.
Innovation Solution
A spray nozzle arrangement made entirely of plastic with a tapered first channel section and widening second channel section, featuring intersecting side surfaces and additional boundary surfaces for controlled spray jet distribution, allowing for one-piece injection molding and reduced component installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a spray nozzle arrangement made of hard material with precise grooves is used, then spray properties are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the spray nozzle and holder into a single integrated component made of plastic. The holder is designed with an integrated nozzle channel that directly forms the spray opening, eliminating the need for separate nozzle components and complex assembly operations. This integration maintains precise spray geometry through molded features while dramatically simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, durable metal components with a more economical plastic construction. The plastic spray nozzle arrangement is designed to be cost-effective for applications where the spray head may be replaced or disposed of after use, such as in single-use aerosol cans or temporary spray applications. This substitution maintains adequate precision while reducing material and manufacturing costs.
2Manufacturing precision
If a spray nozzle arrangement with separate components is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple separate components (nozzle, holder, and sealing elements) into a single integrated plastic part. The holder incorporates the nozzle channel, mounting features, and sealing surfaces all in one molded component. This eliminates the need for separate assembly operations and reduces the total number of parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through molded geometries.
3Reliability
If a metal spray nozzle with soldering is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses plastic materials that are adequate for applications where extreme durability is not required, such as consumer aerosol products. The plastic-on-plastic integration eliminates the need for soldering or metal joining operations, making the manufacture much easier while providing sufficient reliability for the intended service life of the product.
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 design achieves favorable spray properties and economic mass production, suitable for applications like spraying undiluted olive oil, with improved spray behavior and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
An inflowing medium is initially compressed by the tapering cross section of the first channel section
Implementation Method 2
The cross section of the second channel section therefore widens in the direction of flow, which promotes well-defined spraying
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The assembly has a channel portion (26) tapered by two lateral surfaces facing each other to form an elongate narrow cross sectioned surface. A passage orifice (16) is located in the narrow cross-sectioned surface. A channel portion adjoins the passage orifice in the direction of medium flow having two opposed lateral surfaces (18, 22) separating from each other. Bordering surfaces (20, 24) are arranged approximately on a jacket of an imaginary cylinder such that the longitudinal axis of the cylinder extends perpendicularly to a plane of the passage orifice.