Polymeric Aerosol Valve Assembly With Controlled Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerosol dispensers face challenges in achieving recyclability and cost-effectiveness due to the use of diverse materials, particularly the need for a valve assembly that can be recycled as a single unit and safely vent at excessive temperatures and pressures.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly for aerosol dispensers is designed with a valve body and stem that includes a retaining member with voids, such as slits or notches, to control movement and safely vent propellant during overpressurization, while being made from recyclable polymeric materials to minimize environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metallic containers and multi-material valve assemblies are used, then structural strength and sealing reliability are improved, but recyclability and manufacturing cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve body and valve stem into a single integrated polymeric component, eliminating the need for separate metal parts and multiple materials. This merging enables the entire valve assembly to be recycled as a single polymeric unit, directly resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and recyclability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses homogeneous polymeric material for both the valve body and valve stem, replacing traditional multi-material constructions. This homogeneity allows the entire valve assembly to be processed through a single recycling stream, while maintaining reliable sealing through the uniform material properties and integrated design.
2Ease of manufacture
If a polymeric valve assembly is used to improve recyclability, then manufacturing cost and environmental sustainability are improved, but the ability to safely vent at excessive temperatures and pressures may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-designed rupture disk within the polymeric valve assembly that is configured to rupture at specific excessive pressure or temperature conditions. This preliminary action ensures that the valve can safely vent under adverse conditions while maintaining the benefits of a polymeric construction, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and safe venting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using polymeric materials with specific thermal and pressure characteristics, combined with a rupture disk designed for controlled failure at extreme conditions. This parameter change allows the valve to operate safely under normal conditions with the cost benefits of polymeric materials, while providing a fail-safe mechanism for excessive temperatures and pressures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in the valve assembly, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and recycling difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve components (valve body, valve stem, and sealing elements) into a single integrated polymeric structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, while maintaining functional versatility through the integrated design that incorporates all necessary functions within the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the integrated polymeric valve assembly to perform multiple functions (sealing, flow control, and structural support) within a single component. This multi-functionality approach maintains the versatility traditionally achieved through multiple separate components, while eliminating the complexity and recycling difficulties associated with multi-component assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for a dispenser. The valve assembly includes a valve body that extends about a longitudinal axis and defines an outer surface and an inner passageway. A valve stem extends through the inner passageway and includes an outer stem surface, an inner stem surface opposite the outer stem surface, and a first orifice extending from the outer stem surface to the inner stem surface. The valve assembly includes a retaining member joined to the second portion of the valve stem, wherein the retaining member extends outward from the outer stem surface. The retaining member includes a first retaining member surface, a second retaining member surface, and a void.