Reusable Aerosol Canister With Disposable Pouch Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerosol canisters create significant waste disposal issues due to their single-use nature, necessitating ecologically-friendly, reusable aerosol systems that minimize waste volume without compromising ease-of-use.
Innovation Solution
A propellantless aerosol system comprising a reusable container with a pressurizable chamber and disposable fluid pouches, utilizing pressure to dispense fluids through a valve assembly, eliminating the need for propellants and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional single-use pressurized aerosol canisters are used, then ease of use is maintained, but waste disposal problems and environmental impact increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol system is divided into two separate components: a reusable pressurized canister and a disposable flexible pouch containing the fluid material. This segmentation allows the canister to be reused multiple times while only the pouch is discarded, significantly reducing waste volume compared to conventional single-use aerosol cans.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables recovery and reuse of the pressurized canister after the fluid pouch is depleted. The reusable canister can be refilled with new pouches, allowing the expensive and complex pressurized container to be recovered and used repeatedly, while only the simpler, cheaper pouch is discarded.
2Ease of operation
If conventional single-use aerosol canisters are used, then ease of use is maintained, but disposal costs increase due to depressurization requirements and hazardous waste treatment
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the pressurized canister from the fluid container, the system allows the canister to be reused and the pouch to be disposed of separately. The pouch can be depressurized and emptied before disposal, reducing disposal costs and eliminating hazardous waste classification compared to conventional sealed aerosol cans.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and containment parameters by using a flexible pouch that can be depressurized and emptied, transforming the disposal process from handling pressurized hazardous waste to handling empty, depressurized containers that are cheaper and easier to dispose of.
3Device complexity
If a flexible pouch is used without an extended diameter portion in the fitment, then device complexity is reduced, but pouch wall collapse during dispensing inhibits fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The fitment includes an extended diameter portion specifically at the location where the pouch walls are prone to collapsing. This localized structural enhancement prevents wall collapse and maintains fluid flow without requiring complex modifications to the entire pouch or dispensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended diameter portion of the fitment acts as a structural intermediary or support element between the pouch walls and the fluid flow path. It prevents the pouch walls from collapsing inward and interfering with fluid flow, effectively mediating between the flexible pouch structure and the dispensing function.
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 system achieves reduced environmental impact by allowing reusable containers and smaller waste volumes while maintaining ease of use, suitable for various fluids including paints, hair sprays, and cleaning compounds.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing means for intermittently or continuously pressurizing the pressurizable chamber
Implementation Method 2
the valve assembly comprising the combination of a fitment, a valve and a nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A propellantless aerosol fluid dispensing system includes a reusable pressurizable canister and a disposable fluid containing pouch, the pouch including a valve assembly for dispensing the fluid. A pressurizing means is provided for intermittently or continuously pressurizing the pressurizable canister. The pouch contains a dispensable fluid material, and the valve assembly has the combination of a fitment, a valve and a nozzle.