Spray Can Handle Attachment With C-Shaped Rim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray can attachments require excessive force for installation and may not be securely retained on standardized valve mounting cups, particularly for individuals with limited strength and dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A handle attachment with a C-shaped rim and strategically placed slots that provide resilient compression to securely snap onto the valve mounting cup, reducing installation force while maintaining secure attachment, featuring a pivotally mounted trigger to reduce the effort required to operate the dispenser valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing spray can attachments use a resilient snap-fit mechanism to couple to the valve mounting cup, then the attachment can be securely retained on the spray can, but excessive force is required for installation that exceeds the capability of individuals with limited strength and dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into multiple functional components: a handle body, a trigger mechanism, and a coupling cap with C-shaped rim. This segmentation allows the coupling cap to be designed with specific resilient features (slots and gaps) that enable easy installation while maintaining secure retention, separating the installation function from the retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling cap utilizes parameter changes in its material properties through the inclusion of slots and gaps that provide resilience. These structural features allow the cap to deform elastically during installation (reducing required force) and then maintain a secure fit (ensuring retention), effectively changing the mechanical parameters of the attachment system.
2Productivity
If a push-type dispenser valve is operated by pressing downward with a finger, then the valve can be actuated to dispense contents, but continuous pressure must be maintained requiring ongoing user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism transforms the static pressing action into a dynamic lever-based system. When the trigger is squeezed, it pivots on a fulcrum to amplify the user's input force and actuate the valve. This dynamic mechanical advantage allows valve actuation with minimal continuous effort, as the trigger spring automatically returns the mechanism to its initial state after each actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual finger-pressing mechanism is replaced with a trigger-based lever system that provides mechanical advantage. This substitution changes the mechanical system from direct force application to an amplified force system, reducing the effort required to actuate the valve while maintaining full productivity.
3Reliability
If an attachment design prioritizes secure retention on the valve mounting cup, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases making the attachment harder to install and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling cap is designed with a C-shaped rim that serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the attachment, creates the resilient snap-fit mechanism through integrated slots and gaps, and forms the mounting interface for the trigger mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle body, trigger mechanism, and coupling cap are merged into a single integrated attachment device. The trigger is pivotally mounted to the handle body and extends through the coupling cap, combining multiple functions into one unified structure that is both secure and simple to operate.
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 handle attachment can be easily installed and securely retained on spray cans with minimal force, reducing the effort needed to operate the dispenser valve, making it suitable for users with limited strength and dexterity, and providing a mechanical advantage in actuating the valve.
Implementation Method 1
A handle attachment with a C-shaped rim and strategically placed slots that provide resilient compression to securely snap onto the valve mounting cup
Implementation Method 2
featuring a pivotally mounted trigger to reduce the effort required to operate the dispenser valve, providing a mechanical advantage in actuating the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A handle attachment for mounting to a standardized valve mounting cup of a spray can and operating a push-type dispenser valve. The handle attachment includes a housing that defines a grip and a cap configured to couple with an outer diameter of the valve mounting cup. An actuation device is pivotally mounted to the housing and includes a trigger portion disposed adjacent the grip and a finger portion disposed within the cap for actuating the push-type dispenser valve. A C-shaped rim is disposed on the cap and defines a central opening sized to accommodate the valve mounting cup, a base located on the axis of symmetry of the rim, a circumferential gap located on the axis of symmetry diametrically opposite the base and separating two ends of the rim, and at least one slot disposed between the base and a diametrical chord perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.