Polymeric Valve Stem Sealing for Recyclable Aerosol Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol dispensers face challenges in achieving recyclability and cost-effectiveness due to the use of multiple materials, including metal components, which complicates recycling and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly for aerosol dispensers is designed with a polymeric valve stem featuring fins that form a seal with the valve body, allowing for selective dispensing and venting, and is constructed entirely from polymeric materials to minimize environmental impact and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal components are used in valve assemblies, then reliability and sealing performance are improved, but recyclability deteriorates and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the valve stem entirely from polymeric material instead of using metal components. The valve stem includes a seal engagement portion with sealing features that directly engage the valve body seating surface, eliminating the need for metal seals or gaskets. This homogeneous polymeric construction improves recyclability while maintaining sealing performance through the engineered sealing features on the valve stem.
2Reliability
If multiple materials are used in valve assemblies, then functional performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single polymeric valve stem component. The valve stem integrates the seal engagement portion with sealing features, the actuator engagement portion, and the propellant discharge portion all in one homogeneous polymeric piece. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate metal seals, gaskets, and multiple material components, reducing device complexity while maintaining functional performance through the integrated design.
3Ease of manufacture
If polymeric materials are used for all components, then recyclability and cost-effectiveness are improved, but sealing reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing specific sealing features on the seal engagement portion of the valve stem that are optimized for sealing performance. The valve stem includes a seating surface engagement feature with a specific geometry designed to mate with the valve body seating surface, creating a reliable seal. This localized sealing design ensures that the polymeric material achieves the necessary sealing reliability without requiring metal components throughout the entire assembly.
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 the creation of fully recyclable aerosol dispensers with reduced material complexity, enhancing recyclability and cost-effectiveness while maintaining effective product and propellant dispensing and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
The tip portion of the fin operatively engages the passageway surface to form a seal
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, a fin extending radially outward from the outer stem surface, and a first orifice extending from the outer stem surface to the inner stem surface. The fin operatively engages a portion of the inner passageway forming a seal therebetween and providing controlled dispensing through the orifice.