Spray Cap Flexible Hinge Reduces Actuating Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray caps for aerosol containers often require excessive force to operate due to transverse deformation and friction, which can lead to disconnection of the tubular member and valve stem, causing leakage and making the mechanism heavy to use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible section in the tubular member, made of a material like TPE, which acts as an additional hinge, allowing the second portion to remain axial and reducing the actuating force needed to operate the spray mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tubular member is rigidly connected to the cap body, then the structure is stable, but excessive force is required to operate the spray mechanism due to transverse deformation and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular member is divided into a rigid portion and a flexible section, allowing different parts to have different mechanical properties. The rigid portion maintains structural stability while the flexible section reduces actuating force requirements by accommodating transverse movement without rigid resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the tubular member have different mechanical properties: the first portion is rigid for structural stability, while the second portion is flexible to reduce friction and actuating force. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between operational ease and structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If the tubular member is allowed to tilt during operation, then the spray channel can be opened, but transverse forces cause friction and make the mechanism heavy to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible section acts as a compliant element that allows controlled deformation during operation. It accommodates the tilting motion and transverse forces without creating rigid friction, reducing the operational force required while maintaining reliable connection through the flexible deformation capability.
3Ease of operation
If the tubular member moves transversely during operation, then the valve can be opened, but friction between the spray channel and valve stem increases operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical property parameter (rigidity) is changed in the second portion of the tubular member by introducing a flexible section. This parameter change allows the tubular member to move transversely with reduced friction, as the flexible material can deform to accommodate movement without creating rigid contact friction with the valve stem.
4Reliability
If the tubular member is made entirely of rigid material, then the structure is strong, but transverse forces cause disconnection and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible section acts as a cushioning element that absorbs transverse forces during operation. This prevents the rigid tubular member from disconnecting from the valve stem under transverse load, thereby preventing leakage while maintaining connection stability through the flexible deformation capability.
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
This design reduces the operational force required to open the valve, minimizes friction, and prevents leakage by maintaining alignment with the valve stem, making the spray cap easier to use and more efficient.
Implementation Method 1
the tubular member, in the first portion (5) thereof, comprises at least one flexible section (15) which is more flexible than the remainder of the tubular member (4)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a spray cap for placement on top of an aerosol container of the type that has a spray valve disposed at the top of the container and a valve stem extending upwardly therefrom for actuating the valve. The spray cap comprises a cap body with a spray nozzle and a tubular member defining a spray channel arranged within the cap body. The spray channel on one end is in communication with the spray nozzle. The tubular member has a first portion which is hingedly attached to the cap body in a region adjacent the spray nozzle. The tubular member furthermore has a second portion which is angular with the first portion and which, when the spray cap is mounted on a container, extends concentrically with the valve stem of the container and is connected therewith. The cap further comprises an actuating member connected to the tubular member, such that when the actuating member is operated, the tubular member is hinged downward and the second portion of the tubular member forces down the valve stem thereby opening the valve of the container. The tubular member, in the first portion thereof, comprises at least one flexible section which is more flexible than the remainder of the tubular member, which results in that the deformation of the tubular member is easier causing the second portion of the tubular member is easier maintained in line with the valve stem.