Pressurised Refill Canister Stem Alignment and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refill mechanisms for pressurized gas systems, such as simulated cigarettes and butane lighters, face issues with misalignment and leakage due to the design of the refill nozzle and valve, leading to inefficient filling and potential safety hazards from unauthorized substances.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized refill canister with a stem having a larger outer diameter and thicker wall, featuring a localized feature like a pin or cruciform, which ensures proper sealing and alignment with the refill valve, and a non-metered valve design with a high spring force to facilitate easy and safe refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional refill nozzle with small diameter and thin wall is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but misalignment and leakage occur during refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a localized feature (such as a pin or cruciform structure) at the outlet end of the stem rather than making the entire stem thick-walled. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary alignment and sealing capability only where needed, while keeping the rest of the stem structure simple and lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
The localized feature at the outlet end of the stem performs preliminary alignment action before the refilling process begins. The feature engages with the refill valve seat in advance to establish proper alignment, preventing misalignment during the actual refilling operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the refill nozzle outer diameter is increased for better alignment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the outer diameter of the entire stem, the patent applies local quality by adding a localized feature only at the outlet end. This provides the necessary alignment precision locally without requiring the entire stem to be manufactured with tighter tolerances or larger dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The stem structure is segmented into different functional zones: the main body maintains simple dimensions for easy manufacture, while the outlet end features a localized alignment structure. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded check valve is used to prevent unauthorized substances, then the purity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded check valve performs preliminary protection by automatically closing to prevent unauthorized substances from entering before the refilling process begins. The valve is pre-configured in a closed position, requiring specific activation conditions to open.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve operates automatically based on pressure differential during refilling. When refill pressure exceeds spring force, the valve opens to allow refilling; when pressure equalizes, the spring automatically closes the valve, providing self-regulating protection without user intervention.
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 provides a reliable and efficient refill process with minimal leakage, ensuring proper alignment and sealing, and prevents unauthorized substances from entering the reservoir, enhancing user safety and refill efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a valve element which is biased into a closed position by the spring and which, when refill pressure exceeds spring force, opens a flow path from the refill canister into the device reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded check valve
Implementation Method 3
the propellant (such as hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)) will expand as liquid leaves the reservoir thereby maintaining a constant high pressure within the reservoir
Implementation Method 4
The curved profile 28 at the outlet end of the outlet stem 6 is designed to accommodate a degree of misalignment with the valve seat 48
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A pressurised refill canister (5) containing a composition including a propellant. The canister has an outlet valve (20) having a stem (6) biased to a closed position by a first resilient member. The stem (6) has a maximum outer diameter of greater than 3mm. At the outlet end of the stem, at least part of the wall of the stem extends inwardly from the outside diameter for at least 50% of the radius.