Spray Assembly With Moving Fulcrum Lever for Multi-Mode Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hand-held sprayers capable of multiple spray modes are often bulky and complex, making them less ergonomic and difficult to assemble, while slimmer models can only provide two or fewer modes.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held spray assembly utilizing a lever mechanism with multiple shafts and springs to provide mechanical advantage, allowing for dynamic movement of nozzles to achieve three or more spray modes in a compact design, with a polymeric material construction that excludes mechanical gaskets for a simpler assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-mode spray mechanisms are used, then multiple spray modes can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spray mechanism is divided into multiple independent shafts (first shaft, second shaft, third shaft) that can be selectively actuated. Each shaft controls specific spray functions, allowing the system to achieve multiple spray modes through coordinated operation of segmented components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the first shaft, second shaft, and third shaft are positioned concentrically or in close proximity, with components of one shaft potentially housing or surrounding elements of another. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy minimal space, achieving multi-mode capability without increasing overall device bulk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-mode spray mechanisms are used, then multiple spray modes can be achieved, but the device becomes less ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The lever assembly incorporates a moving fulcrum that dynamically changes position based on the desired spray mode. This dynamic adjustment allows the lever to provide optimal mechanical advantage for each specific operation, making the device more ergonomic and easier to operate across different spray modes compared to fixed fulcrum mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever assembly acts as an intermediary between the user's input force and the multiple shafts. By providing a unified lever interface with moving fulcrum, the system translates single user actions into coordinated movement of multiple shafts, simplifying operation and improving ergonomics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex assembly structures are used, then multiple spray modes can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into integrated assemblies. The lever assembly combines the fulcrum mechanism, linkage elements, and actuation components into a single coordinated unit that operates multiple shafts simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of separate assembly steps and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining multi-mode capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever assembly serves multiple functions: it actuates the first shaft, second shaft, and third shaft depending on its position, and it provides the user interface for selecting spray modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuation mechanisms for each shaft, reducing assembly complexity.
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 solution enables a compact, ergonomic sprayer that provides multiple spray modes with intuitive operation and reduced assembly complexity, offering a more user-friendly experience while maintaining a slim design.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring having a first spring constant and positioned between the first shaft and the valve, The spray assembly also includes a second shaft coupled to the first shaft and a second spring having a second spring constant and positioned between the first shaft and the second shaft. The spray assembly also includes a first sleeve coupled to the second shaft and a third spring having a third spring constant and positioned between the second shaft and the first sleeve
Implementation Method 2
A hand-held spray assembly utilizing a lever mechanism with multiple shafts and springs to provide mechanical advantage
Data Source
AI summary
A spray assembly includes an inner chamber, an outer chamber, a spray face, a plurality of shafts, a lever, a moving fulcrum, and a plurality of sleeves. The inner chamber provides a fluid in a first spray mode of a plurality of spray modes. The spray face is fluidly coupled to the outer chamber and includes one or more nozzles that are movable between a plurality of nozzle positions such that the spray face provides the fluid in a second spray mode and a third spray mode. The plurality of shafts are movable for directing the fluid within the spray assembly. The lever operates the plurality of shafts. The moving fulcrum changes a location of a fulcrum of the lever such that the fulcrum changes as the lever is operated. A first sleeve is configured to move the one or more nozzles of the spray face.