Rotating Nozzle Assembly for Adjustable Squeeze Bottle Spray Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing squeeze bottle dispensers lack the ability to produce continuous spray patterns similar to trigger sprayers and cannot adjust liquid output patterns, limiting their application and efficiency compared to trigger sprayers.

Innovation Solution

A spray nozzle assembly for squeeze bottles that includes a rotating nozzle with multiple operational states (spray, foam, and stream modes) and a dip tube system, allowing for continuous flow and adjustable output patterns, enabling the bottle to be used in any orientation and providing an 'off' mode for controlled dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a squeeze bottle uses a simple exit orifice for liquid dispensing, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but the liquid output pattern is limited to a single solid stream and cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle structure complexityVSAvoidliquid output pattern adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle assembly incorporates a rotatable nozzle body with multiple operational states (spray, foam, stream modes) that can be dynamically switched by rotating the nozzle to different positions. This dynamic configuration allows the same physical nozzle to produce different liquid output patterns based on its rotational position, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and pattern versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple dispensing functions (spray, foam, stream) through a single device structure. The rotatable nozzle with multiple operational states enables one nozzle to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate nozzles or a complex trigger sprayer mechanism, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a squeeze bottle is designed to produce only a solid stream pattern, then the manufacturing precision requirements are simplified, but the ability to produce spray patterns similar to trigger sprayers is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle fabrication precisionVSAvoidspray pattern capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable nozzle mechanism allows the same manufactured nozzle to dynamically switch between spray and stream patterns through rotation to different operational states. This dynamic capability is achieved through mechanical rotation rather than requiring multiple precisely manufactured nozzle types, thereby maintaining simplified manufacturing precision requirements while gaining spray pattern versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a trigger sprayer mechanism is used to achieve adjustable spray patterns, then the liquid output pattern versatility is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray pattern optionsVSAvoidtrigger mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the complex trigger mechanism from the sprayer design, retaining only the essential spray pattern generation capability through a rotatable nozzle system. By removing the trigger mechanism while keeping the multi-mode nozzle, the device achieves spray pattern versatility without the associated complexity and material usage of a full trigger sprayer assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable nozzle assembly represents a simpler, more cost-effective alternative to a trigger sprayer mechanism. By using a straightforward rotational selection system rather than a mechanical trigger pump system, the invention reduces material usage and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to provide multiple spray patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Productivity

If a squeeze bottle allows continuous spray flow, then the productivity is improved, but the ability to control dispensing (provide an off mode) is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous spray flow capabilityVSAvoiddispensing control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable nozzle provides dynamic control over spray flow through positional selection. By rotating the nozzle to different operational states including an 'off' position, the user can control dispensing on demand while maintaining the capability for continuous spray flow when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the squeeze bottle to produce continuous, adjustable spray patterns, similar to trigger sprayers, with reduced material usage, allowing for effective application in various orientations and scenarios, such as cleaning hard-to-reach areas or applying foaming patterns for enhanced cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

A spray nozzle assembly for use with a squeeze bottle is disclosed. The spray nozzle assembly generally includes a spray nozzle and a cap. The spray nozzle includes an insert and a body. The insert defines a bore having a swirl chamber. Four feed ducts are provided in the insert. The feed ducts receive liquid from a reservoir and convey the liquid into the swirl chamber in a tangential direction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

The insert defines a bore having a swirl chamber. Four feed ducts are provided in the insert. The feed ducts receive liquid from a reservoir and convey the liquid into the swirl chamber in a tangential direction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirl chamber flow: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentEP3227029B1Apparatus and method for providing an improved spray pattern with a squeeze bottle
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 SC JOHNSON & SON INC
  • EP3227029B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3227029B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3227029B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A spray nozzle assembly includes a rotating spray nozzle and a cap for attachment to a squeeze bottle. The spray nozzle includes at least one exit orifice and at least three sidewall portions. The cap includes an indicator on an upper surface.