Self-Purging Aerosol Valve Without Return Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol valve systems for high solid and resin content products face clogging issues and require excessive force to open and close, with existing self-purging solutions being expensive, complex, and prone to corrosion or failure.
Innovation Solution
A self-purging aerosol valve system without a return spring, utilizing a check valve element and biasing element within the valve housing extension to automatically purge residual product and reduce opening force, allowing for easier operation and integration of mechanical break-up inserts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a return spring is used to close the valve, then the valve can be reliably closed, but the opening force required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the return spring from the valve assembly, extracting the component that causes excessive opening force. The valve closure is achieved through the product pressure differential and the check valve mechanism rather than a mechanical spring, thereby eliminating the force penalty while maintaining closure reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system uses the product pressure itself to drive the closing action through the check valve mechanism. When product flows through the valve, the pressure differential automatically pushes the check valve element to seal the opening, making the system self-regulating without external spring force.
2Extent of automation
If a multiple spring system is used for self-purging, then purging capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the purging function with the existing check valve mechanism. The same check valve element that controls product flow also enables automatic purging by allowing propellant to flow backward through the valve stem when product flow stops, eliminating the need for separate purging springs or mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve element serves multiple functions: it controls product dispensing, enables automatic purging of residual product, and maintains valve closure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while achieving both dispensing and purging capabilities.
3Reliability
If metal return springs are used, then valve return function is achieved, but corrosion problems and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal return spring that causes corrosion issues. The valve closure function is transferred to the check valve mechanism driven by product pressure, eliminating the corrosive metal spring from contact with the product formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that the check valve element may have limited service life in high-corrosion environments but uses simpler, less expensive materials compared to precision metal springs, reducing both cost and corrosion risk.
4Reliability
If users invert and operate valve until clear spray to purge paint residue, then clogging is prevented, but propellant loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve performs automatic purging action as part of the normal closing sequence without requiring additional user operations. When the user releases the actuator, the check valve automatically allows propellant to flow backward and clear residual product, preventing clogging without extending the dispensing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system self-purges using its own internal pressure differential. The product pressure that drives dispensing also drives the purging action automatically, eliminating the need for separate manual purging operations that waste additional propellant.
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 provides low-force operation, complete closure without a return spring, and effective self-purging of residual product, preventing clogging and simplifying manufacturing and assembly while enabling the use of mechanical break-up inserts.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element positioned within the valve housing extension and comprising a second valve of the aerosol valve system
Implementation Method 2
propellant gas flow through the housing said second opening and through the stem one or more orifices and internal channel to purge remaining product
Implementation Method 3
a valve stem sealing gasket which cooperates with the stem to comprise a first valve of the aerosol valve system
Implementation Method 4
unseating the check valve element by action of the stem against the check valve element to allow product to enter the valve housing extension
Data Source
AI summary
Self-purging, low force opening, aerosol valve system with an orificed valve stem groove and gasket forming a first valve for product and propellant, or propellant, flow. A check valve element, biasing element and housing first opening form a second valve for product flow. Actuating the valve stem sequentially opens first valve and then second valve. After actuation, second valve closes before first valve, and propellant from housing second opening purges valve stem and actuator until first valve closes. No first valve closing return spring acts directly on valve stem, allowing easy opening. Gasket in stem groove and product and propellant flow fully close first valve after second valve closes. High solid and/or resin content products can be dispensed through an actuator with mechanical break-up insert.