Single Valve Sprayer Head Assembly for Chemical Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aspiration-type chemical sprayers require a large amount of carrier fluid to dilute and dispense a small amount of chemical, posing hazards to consumers and the environment, and existing sprayer head assemblies are not cost-effective or safe for disposal.
Innovation Solution
A chemical sprayer design with a valve system that minimizes components, allowing easy manufacturing and assembly, featuring a body with separate chemical and carrier fluid passages and a valve that controls communication between these passages to ensure safe and efficient dispensing, using a minimal number of parts and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sprayer head assembly is used, then the chemical can be dispensed safely, but the assembly is too expensive to be discarded after use
Solution Approach 1:
The sprayer system is divided into a reusable sprayer head assembly and a disposable container assembly. The container assembly includes the container, closure, and sprayer head, which can be discarded after use. This segmentation allows the expensive sprayer head to be reused while the inexpensive container is disposed of, resolving the contradiction between safety and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The container assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be discarded after the chemical is exhausted. This eliminates the need to dispose of the expensive sprayer head assembly, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining safety through proper disposal of the container.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sprayer head assembly is made inexpensive for disposal, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the expensive, safety-critical sprayer head assembly from the inexpensive container. The sprayer head assembly with its sealing and valve mechanisms remains intact and reusable, ensuring safety and reliability are maintained while the overall system cost is reduced through disposable container design.
3Device complexity
If a single valve design is used, then the number of components is minimized for easy manufacturing, but the valve must perform multiple functions increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls carrier fluid flow, creates suction for chemical withdrawal, and provides sealing when closed. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a unified valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single valve assembly that includes the valve body, seal, and suction creation mechanism. This consolidation reduces component count and simplifies manufacturing while achieving the same functional results as multiple separate components would provide.
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 design provides a safe, reliable, and cost-effective aspiration-type chemical sprayer that reduces the need for carrier fluid, enhancing user safety and environmental protection by minimizing hazardous waste and lowering manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is configured such that as the valve moves between the open and closed positions, the valve moves along a second direction. The second direction extends generally traverse to the first direction.
Implementation Method 2
The valve further comprises one or more sealing portions positioned so as to block both the chemical passage and the carrier fluid passages when the valve is in the closed position.
Implementation Method 3
An aspiration-type sprayer uses a relatively large amount of carrier fluid, such as water, to withdraw, dilute and dispense a relatively small amount of chemical from the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprayer head assembly for dispensing a chemical stored within a container comprises a body having a bore and a valve moveably positioned at least partially within the bore. The sprayer head assembly includes passages for the carrier fluid and the chemical. A vent passage is also provided. The valve selectively closes and opens the carrier fluid, chemical and vent passages. The valve is configured to move in a side to side motion which is generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the assembly.