Polymeric Dispenser Valve Assembly for Recyclable Safe 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, while minimizing metal components.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly design featuring a polymeric valve body with a resilient member and force concentrators, which includes a valve stem with orifices for controlled dispensing and filling, and a retaining member for safe venting, all made from materials suitable for a single recycling stream like PET, ensuring efficient product release and containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metallic containers and valve assemblies are used, then reliability and sealing performance are improved, but cost increases and recyclability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is constructed entirely from polymeric materials including the valve body, valve stem, resilient member, and force concentrators, creating a homogeneous structure that can be recycled as a single unit. This eliminates the need to separate metal components for recycling while maintaining functional performance through careful material selection and design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite polymeric structures combining different polymer materials with complementary properties - such as rigid polymeric materials for structural components and elastomeric polymeric materials for sealing and resilient functions - to achieve both reliability and recyclability in a single polymer-based assembly.
2Reliability
If multiple material types are used in the valve assembly, then functional performance is improved, but recyclability worsens due to inability to recycle as a single unit
Solution Approach 1:
All components of the valve assembly are made from polymeric materials that can be processed together in a single recycling stream. The homogeneous polymeric construction allows the entire valve assembly to be recycled as one unit, eliminating material separation requirements and improving recycling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the material parameters by selecting specific polymeric materials with appropriate mechanical properties, thermal resistance, and chemical compatibility to replace traditional metal and elastomer combinations, enabling both functional performance and recyclability.
3Strength
If metal components are used in the valve assembly, then strength and durability are improved, but cost and environmental sustainability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting rigid polymeric materials with high strength-to-weight ratios and appropriate mechanical properties to replace metal components. These polymeric materials provide sufficient structural strength while reducing manufacturing cost and improving sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly uses composite polymeric structures that combine rigid polymer materials for strength-critical components with elastomeric polymer materials for sealing functions, creating a fully polymeric assembly that matches or exceeds the performance of traditional metal-based designs while being more cost-effective and sustainable.
4Ease of manufacture
If a fully polymeric valve assembly is used, then recyclability and cost are improved, but ability to withstand excessive temperatures and pressures may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects polymeric materials with high thermal and pressure resistance parameters, including engineering plastics and high-performance polymers that can withstand the temperature and pressure conditions of aerosol dispensing while maintaining their structural integrity and sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly employs composite polymeric materials that combine rigid polymers for structural strength and pressure resistance with elastomeric polymers for sealing, creating a material system that can withstand excessive temperatures and pressures while remaining fully recyclable.
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, enhanced flexibility in design, and safe operation under varying conditions, improving environmental sustainability and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member may be disposed on a portion of the valve body and the one or more force concentrators may be configured to engage the resilient member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
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 valve stem, wherein the retaining member extends outward from the outer stem surface. The valve assembly includes a resilient member and one or more force concentrators configured to operatively engage the resilient member.