Rotatable Aerosol Actuator Cap for Safe Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol dispensers for pressurized fluids require the cap to be removed for activation, which is inconvenient for applying cosmetic products, especially to the underarm region, and lack a mechanism for safe deactivation.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable actuator cap with a non-rotatable chassis and spray channel assembly that creates a 'safety gap' between the spray channel and the valve stem, allowing for interchangeable operative and inoperative states, enabling safe deactivation and convenient activation without removing the cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap is removed for activation, then the dispenser can be activated, but the operation becomes inconvenient and unsafe for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator cap is designed with a rotatable outer body that can dynamically change position between a first position (separated from valve stem, inoperative state) and a second position (attached to valve stem, operative state). This dynamic positioning mechanism allows the dispenser to be safely deactivated by simply rotating the cap, eliminating the need to remove it entirely while ensuring the spray channel assembly is properly separated from the valve stem in the inoperative state.
2Ease of operation
If the spray channel assembly is permanently attached to the valve stem, then activation is simple, but safe deactivation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator cap is segmented into two distinct components: a non-rotatable chassis that remains fixed on the aerosol canister, and a rotatable outer body that can be independently positioned. The spray channel assembly is attached to the chassis, while the outer body rotates between positions. This segmentation allows the spray channel assembly to be selectively engaged or disengaged from the valve stem through rotation of the outer body, enabling safe deactivation while maintaining simple activation.
3Reliability
If the actuator cap is made rotatable for deactivation, then safe deactivation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator cap employs a rotatable outer body that rotates between a first position and a second position to achieve safe deactivation. The outer body is connected to the spray channel assembly via a hinge joint, allowing it to pivot and rotate smoothly. This dynamic mechanism provides reliable deactivation through simple rotational motion without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable outer body is nested within the overall actuator cap structure, with the hinge joint allowing it to pivot within the confines of the non-rotatable chassis. The spray channel assembly is positioned such that it can be engaged or disengaged from the valve stem as the outer body rotates, creating a compact nested arrangement that achieves safe deactivation without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The aerosol dispenser, comprises: an aerosol canister and associated valve stem; and an actuator cap (1) comprising: a rotatable outer body (2) and an associated actuator button (3); and a non-rotatable chassis (4) and an associated spray channel assembly (6), the latter comprising an outlet nozzle (63); the outer body (2) being rotatable between a first position in which the spray channel assembly (6) is separated from the valve stem of the aerosol canister and the dispenser is incapable of activation and a second position in which the spray channel assembly (6) is attached to the valve stem of the aerosol canister and the dispenser is capable of activation.