Container Attachment Mechanism With Resilient Locking Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated actuation systems for aerosol containers are complex, requiring precise alignment and attachment, which is time-consuming and prone to leakage and instability, and are not easily adaptable to different container shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A standardized adapter with a locking mechanism that includes a bracket with flanges and slots, and a resilient member, allowing for easy and secure attachment of the overcap to the container, ensuring a precise interface and preventing inappropriate connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional automated actuation systems are used, then precise alignment and secure attachment can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a bracket with flanges and slots attached to the container, and a corresponding locking element with resilient member on the overcap. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary component between the container and the locking mechanism. It provides a standardized interface with flanges and slots that work with the locking element, enabling easy attachment without requiring direct complex interaction between the container and overcap.
2Reliability
If conventional automated actuation systems are used, then secure attachment can be achieved, but setup and container replacement becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket with flanges and slots is pre-attached to the container body, and the locking element with resilient member is pre-positioned on the overcap. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly by simply aligning and engaging the pre-configured components, significantly reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member provides dynamic, spring-loaded engagement that automatically adjusts to accommodate minor variations in alignment. This dynamic response enables quick and easy attachment without requiring precise manual adjustment, reducing the time needed for container replacement.
3Ease of operation
If simpler attachment mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is improved, but system stability and leakage prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is designed with a curved, spring-loaded configuration that provides both ease of engagement and stable locking. The curved geometry allows the member to flex during attachment while maintaining consistent contact pressure, ensuring both simplicity of operation and system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism replaces complex multi-component mechanical fastening systems with a simpler spring-loaded resilient member that engages through elastic deformation. This substitution maintains reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment mechanisms are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket and locking element feature asymmetric geometries with specific slot and flange configurations that naturally guide proper alignment. The asymmetric design ensures that only the correct orientation allows engagement, providing precise alignment without requiring complex active alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member and slot-flange geometry are designed to self-align during the attachment process. The resilient member's flexibility and the complementary shapes of the slots and flanges work together to automatically position components correctly, eliminating the need for complex external alignment devices.
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 stable, intuitive, and easy-to-use connection between the overcap and container, ensuring precise emission of the product and preventing damage or inoperability, while being adaptable to various container shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member, wherein the resilient member is adapted to engage with the bracket to retain the overcap on the container
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A product dispensing system includes an overcap that has a locking element extending therefrom. A container has a product disposed therein. A bracket is attached to the container. The bracket includes at least one flange and at least one slot. The at least one flange extends toward the at least one slot. A resilient member is disposed within the locking element.