Two-Component Pressurized Can with Movable Piston

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional two-component pressure cans lack sufficient space for voluminous second components, such as fire retardants, which are incompatible with the main component and must be added just before emptying, requiring improved separation and mixing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A two-component pressure can with a vertically movable piston as a separating element and an external actuation device that opens to mix the components, allowing adjustable chamber volumes and effective mixing through a pull wire mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If a conventional inner sleeve at the base is used to hold the second component, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the available space for voluminous second components like fire retardants is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace for second componentVSAvoidseparation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to separate the two components during storage and then move to allow mixing during use. This dynamic separation mechanism provides sufficient space for voluminous second components while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The can is divided into two distinct chambers by the piston, with each chamber dedicated to holding one component. This segmentation allows for adequate space allocation for voluminous second components like fire retardants while maintaining clear separation during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the two components are stored in separate chambers, then complete separation during storage is achieved, but an opening device with pull wire mechanism is required to mix them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation during storageVSAvoidopening device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston serves dual functions: it automatically separates the components during storage and also acts as the mixing element when moved by the opening device. This self-service approach reduces the need for additional complex mixing mechanisms while maintaining reliable separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The piston is designed to perform multiple functions: separating components during storage, being moved by the opening device to allow mixing, and potentially serving as a mixing element itself. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while ensuring reliable separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the piston is made movable to allow mixing, then component mixing becomes effective, but sealing against pressure differences becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidsealing under pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The piston is designed with flexible sealing elements that can deform to maintain sealing contact with the chamber walls during movement. This flexibility allows the piston to effectively separate components during storage while also being movable to allow mixing, overcoming the sealing difficulty associated with movable separators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables efficient storage and mixing of two-component systems with varying ratios, ensuring thorough mixing and complete discharge without pressure-related sealing issues, accommodating larger quantities of second components like fire retardants.

Implementation Method 1

The main component also contains a liquid gas component, which serves to expel and foam the contents of the can

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid gas expansion: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

the second component contains, in addition to other components, a crosslinking agent that is able to react with the reactive isocyanate groups of the main component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3717377B1Two-component pressurized can
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 SIKA TECH AG
  • EP3717377B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3717377B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed is a two-component pressurized can comprising a body (2), a dome, a valve disposed in the dome, a base (3) curved inwards, an upper (13) and a lower compartment (12) for a first and a second component, which are separated by a separating element (11), and an opening device (4) which is disposed in the base (3), can be actuated from the outside, and when actuated removes the separation between the compartments (12, 13) for the first and the second component; the separating element between the compartments (12, 13) is a plunger (11) which is slidably mounted in the pressurized can (1) and which has at least one opening (18) that is sealed by a closing element (19), and the opening device (4) has an opening element (5) which extends through a passage (7) in the base (3) and is suitable for separating the closing element (19) from the at least one opening (18) in the plunger (11).