Polymeric Valve Assembly With Nonlinear Sealing and 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 minimize metal components to reduce environmental impact and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric valve assembly with a resilient member made from non-linear compression profile materials, designed for multi-piece construction, which includes a valve body with specific geometries and a resilient member that controls the valve stem's movement between sealing, dispensing, and filling configurations, ensuring efficient product dispensing while allowing for safe venting at high temperatures and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metallic valve assemblies are used, then reliability and sealing performance are improved, but recyclability and manufacturing cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from traditional metals to polymeric materials, specifically using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for the valve body and stem. This material substitution maintains functional reliability while improving recyclability and reducing manufacturing costs associated with metal processing and disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining polymeric valve body materials with elastomeric sealing components. The gasket and resilient members use elastomers that provide necessary sealing properties, while the main structure uses recyclable polymeric materials, creating a composite assembly that balances performance and sustainability.
2Reliability
If multiple material types are used in valve assembly, then functional performance is improved, but recyclability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve assembly into distinct functional components: a polymeric valve body, a polymeric valve stem, elastomeric sealing elements (gasket and resilient members), and a metal actuator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while facilitating selective recycling of the polymeric portions separately from metal and elastomeric components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameters by making the valve body and stem entirely polymeric (PET), replacing traditional metal construction. This parameter change enables these components to be recycled through standard plastic recycling streams, improving overall recyclability while maintaining structural and functional performance through appropriate material selection and design.
3Ease of manufacture
If polymeric materials are used for valve assembly, then recyclability and cost are improved, but structural strength and pressure resistance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material construction where the polymeric valve body and stem are combined with elastomeric sealing components and metal actuator elements. The elastomers provide flexible sealing under pressure, while the polymeric structure provides the necessary structural framework, creating a composite system that achieves both cost-effectiveness and pressure resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selects specific polymeric materials with appropriate mechanical properties, namely polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which offers sufficient strength and pressure resistance for aerosol dispensing applications. The material parameters are optimized through selection of appropriate wall thicknesses, reinforcement structures, and material grade to meet pressure containment requirements while maintaining recyclability.
4Ease of operation
If complex valve assembly design is used, then dispensing control is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve body and valve stem into an integrated polymeric structure, reducing the number of separate components compared to traditional metal valve assemblies. This merging simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the necessary dispensing control functions through the integrated design of the polymeric structure and elastomeric sealing elements.
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 recyclable aerosol dispensers with reduced material costs, improved manufacturing efficiency, and enhanced environmental sustainability by using polymeric components and a resilient member that effectively manages valve stem movement, ensuring reliable product dispensing and safe pressure relief.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member that controls the valve stem's movement between sealing, dispensing, and filling configurations
Implementation Method 2
The resilient member is made from a resilient polymeric material and has a non-linear compression profile
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A valve assembly (54) for a dispenser. The valve assembly (54) includes a valve body that extends about a longitudinal axis and defines an outer surface and an inner passageway. The valve body includes a first valve body surface and a second valve body surface opposite the first valve body surface. A valve stem (62) 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. A resilient member (58) is disposed on at least a portion of the first valve body surface. The resilient member (58) is made from a resilient polymeric material and has a non-linear compression profile.