Spray Canister Device with Self-Aligning Tray for Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet seat assemblies with medicament dispensing systems face challenges in alignment and replacement for less dexterous users, making it difficult to install and remove the spray canister device properly.
Innovation Solution
A spray canister device with a tray slidably coupled to a chassis element, featuring multiple keyed connections and a motor for alignment and operation, allowing for easy installation and removal without manual alignment, and including sensors for force and pressure detection to ensure proper operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is required during canister replacement, then alignment precision can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for less dexterous users
Solution Approach 1:
The canister housing includes self-aligning features such as guide rails and positioning pins that automatically align the canister with the spray assembly during installation. The tray mechanism provides self-positioning through engagement with the canister housing, eliminating the need for manual alignment by less dexterous users while maintaining precise alignment.
2Ease of operation
If a motorized tray mechanism is added for automated positioning, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex motorized positioning systems with a simpler mechanical tray mechanism that uses guide rails, slots, and engagement features. The tray slides along fixed rails and engages with the canister housing through mechanical interlocks, providing automated positioning without requiring motors, sensors, or electronic control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple keyed connections are implemented for precise alignment, then manufacturing precision improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into separate functional components: guide rails for lateral positioning, positioning pins for vertical alignment, and engagement slots for final securing. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, and the segmented design allows for modular assembly, improving both manufacturing precision and ease of assembly compared to a single complex alignment feature.
Data Source
AI summary
A spray canister device includes a canister containing a liquid product, a canister housing having an opening, a chassis element, and a tray slidably coupled to the chassis element. The canister includes an actuator cap and is positioned in the canister housing such that a nozzle of the actuator cap is positioned proximate the opening. The canister housing, and the canister positioned therein, may be engaged with the tray via at least one protruding member. Once engaged, the tray may be slidably moved along the chassis element between a retracted position and an extended position to facilitate relative movement between the canister and the canister housing to compress the actuator cap of the canister and spray the liquid product.