Spray Actuator Cover with Integrated Restraint Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spray container actuators are often complex and costly to manufacture, with existing lockable designs incorporating many separate components that increase manufacturing difficulties and costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified actuator apparatus for spray containers featuring a base and cover that are movable between locked and unlocked positions, with a push button mechanism that includes a restraint structure to prevent accidental activation, allowing for secure locking and easy access when needed, and a method for manufacturing this apparatus using a two-piece mold to reduce complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lockable actuator designs are used, then the spray container can be securely locked, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to many separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (base, cover, restraint structure, and locking mechanism) into an integrated actuator assembly. The restraint structure is formed as a single piece with the cover, eliminating the need for separate restraint components. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the locking function, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure serves multiple functions: it provides the restraint structure to prevent accidental activation, forms part of the locking mechanism when rotated to the locked position, and protects the push button. By making the cover multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying the overall actuator design.
2Reliability
If conventional lockable actuator designs are used, then the spray container can be securely locked, but the manufacturing cost increases due to complex multi-piece molds
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into two main components (base and cover) that can be manufactured separately using standard injection molding processes. The cover is formed as a single piece including the restraint structure, which simplifies the molding process compared to assembling multiple separate restraint components. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the restraint structure into the cover as a single molded piece, the patent eliminates the need for complex multi-piece molds that would be required to assemble separate restraint components. This merging of functions into a single component simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces tooling complexity.
3Reliability
If a protective cover is fitted over the actuator apparatus, then accidental depression is prevented, but the ease of operation decreases when intended use is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be rotatable between different positions: a locked position where the restraint structure prevents push button depression, and an unlocked position where the push button is accessible. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the cover to provide protection when needed while enabling easy operation when intended use is required, resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Actuator apparatus for spray containers and methods of manufacturing actuator apparatus for spray containers. The actuator apparatus includes a cover having a restraint structure, e.g., locatable below an aperture portion of a push button of a base, to restrict the push button from depression by a user when the actuator apparatus is in a locked position.