Rotating Aerosol Cap with Cam Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol canisters face issues with inadvertent fluid dispersal during non-use due to accidental actuation of overcaps, leading to unintended discharge of pressurized fluid during packaging, shipment, or storage.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol cap design featuring an outer and inner hollow shell interconnected by a rib element and cam profile, allowing the cap to be transitioned between operative and non-operative positions, preventing accidental actuation and ensuring secure locking in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an overcap is designed to remain on the canister during use (integrated actuator features), then convenience is improved, but the risk of accidental actuation during non-use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overcap employs a dynamic two-position system where the cap can rotate between an operative position (allowing use) and a non-operative position (preventing accidental discharge). The cam profile and rib element create a mechanically locked non-operative position that physically prevents button actuation, while still allowing convenient access when intentionally activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary protective action by defaulting to a locked non-operative position that prevents accidental discharge. The cam profile is configured so that the rib element naturally engages with the cam surface to block button movement, requiring intentional user action to rotate to the operative position and disengage the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If a separate cap is used to protect the button actuator, then accidental actuation is prevented, but user convenience deteriorates due to removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the protective cap function with the actuator operation by integrating the button actuator directly into the overcap structure. This allows the cap to remain on the canister during use, eliminating the need for removal while maintaining protection against accidental discharge through the rotating lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotating mechanism allows the single integrated cap to perform multiple functions: protection during non-use (when rotated to non-operative position) and convenient access during use (when rotated to operative position). This eliminates the need for separate cap and actuator components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the overcap structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to prevent accidental discharge is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The overcap is segmented into functional zones: the cam profile section that provides the locking mechanism, the rib element that engages with the cam, and the button actuator section. This segmentation allows each component to be injection molded as a single integrated piece, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving complex accidental discharge prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses geometric parameter changes in the cam profile shape to create the locking and unlocking positions. By varying the cam surface geometry, the simple rib element can engage at specific rotation positions to prevent button actuation, achieving reliable protection through geometric design rather than complex mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol cap adapted to mate with a canister includes an outer hollow shell and an inner hollow shell that is partially enclosed by the outer shell and centrally disposed therein. The outer hollow shell includes at least one rib element. The inner and outer shells are physically interconnected together by the at least one rib element. The inner hollow shell includes a base ring member hingedly connected to a pod member. The pod member includes a button support for receiving a button actuator of the canister. The pod member further includes a cam profile for cooperating with the at least one rib element to transition the aerosol cap between an operative position and a non-operative position upon rotating the outer hollow shell relative to the inner hollow shell.