Recyclable Trigger Sprayer with Pre-Compression Diaphragm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trigger sprayers made from polymeric materials lack consistent pre-compression functionality and are not recyclable, and existing designs often rely on metal or glass components, making them unsustainable and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A trigger sprayer design utilizing a pre-compression diaphragm and resilient bellows made from a single grade of polypropylene, eliminating metal parts and ensuring consistent fluid dispensing, with an inverted flow bypass for operation in both upright and inverted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal or glass components are used in trigger sprayers, then structural strength and durability are improved, but recyclability and sustainability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all components (pump chamber, bellows, diaphragm, valve, actuator) into a single integrated structure made from one piece of polymeric material, eliminating the need for metal or glass parts while maintaining structural integrity and enabling complete recyclability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from composite (metal/polymer/glass) to homogeneous polymer, and modifies the structural parameters through geometric design (frustoconical bellows, integrated valve features) to achieve both strength and recyclability
2Stability of the object's composition
If elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer materials are used for pump chambers, then flexibility and resilience are improved, but cost and recyclability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastomer to thermoplastic polymer, and modifies the structural parameters through geometric design (frustoconical bellows with angled facets) to achieve both flexibility and cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pump chamber into multiplefaceted panels that can independently flex and restore, providing elastomeric-like flexibility through rigid geometric components
3Reliability
If pre-compression is implemented using elastic diaphragms and flexion springs, then fluid dispensing consistency is improved, but device complexity and material diversity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pre-compression diaphragm, valve, and pump chamber into a single integrated polymeric structure, eliminating separate springs and complex mechanisms while maintaining dispensing consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the diaphragm with self-compression features that automatically pre-compress the fluid chamber without external springs or complex mechanisms, using the diaphragm's own geometric design to provide the necessary force
4Force
If resilient bellows are designed with concave boundaries and curved surfaces, then restoring force is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bellows into multiple planarfaceted panels that hinge at their boundaries, creating restoring force through the geometric arrangement rather than complex curved surfaces, making the structure easier to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric faceted geometry with specific panel angles and configurations to generate the necessary restoring force, replacing symmetric curved surfaces with asymmetric planar elements that are easier to mold
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 design achieves uniform and consistent fluid dispensing, is recyclable, and maintains functionality in various orientations, addressing the need for sustainable and efficient trigger sprayer technology.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient bellows... drawn in a frustoconical configuration... the resilient bellows and the pump body define a dispensing chamber having a volume that varies in response to the pivotal engagement of the trigger actuator and the resilient bellows
Implementation Method 2
the pre-compression diaphragm and the pump body define a pre-compression chamber with the pre-compression diaphragm being displaced to open a flow path from the dispensing chamber to the outlet when sufficient fluid pressure is created within the pre-compression chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger sprayer is made from a single grade of polymer capable of being reused as post consumer resin. The design allows for upright and inverted actuation. A pre-compression diaphragm ensures that dispensing stroke delivers a complete and uniform amount of fluid.