Spray Through Cap Lateral-to-Downward Force Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray through caps for pressurized fluid containers do not efficiently translate lateral pressure into downward pressure on the spray channel, leading to suboptimal dispensing of contents without removing the cap.
Innovation Solution
A spray through cap design featuring a plinth with orthogonal projections that minimize frictional contact with the activation paddle's strut, allowing efficient translation of lateral pressure into downward pressure on the spray channel, which is supported by flexible C-shaped or S-shaped support braces to maintain axial movement and resist undue lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional spray through cap design is used, then the cap structure is simple, but the efficiency of translating lateral pressure into downward pressure on the spray channel is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary projection element on the plinth that mediates between the lateral pressure applied by the activation paddle and the downward pressure required on the spray channel. This projection acts as a mechanical lever that converts the lateral force vector into an efficient downward force, resolving the contradiction by adding a simple intermediary structure that significantly improves pressure translation efficiency without substantially increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional approach to force transmission by adding a projection that extends in a direction orthogonal to the inward-projecting strut. This creates a new dimensional pathway for force transmission, allowing lateral pressure to be efficiently converted into downward pressure through the projection's geometric configuration, thereby improving dispensing efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the spray channel is freely movable, then ease of operation is improved, but lateral movement stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing directional support only where needed. The flexible support braces are positioned to resist lateral movement in specific directions while allowing vertical movement for activation. This localized constraint approach maintains operational ease by permitting the spray channel to move vertically for actuation while providing stability by preventing unwanted lateral displacement, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic characteristics by using flexible support braces that can deform under load. These braces dynamically adjust their stiffness based on the applied force, allowing free vertical movement during activation while providing lateral stability when needed. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the support system adaptable to different operational states.
3Force
If frictional contact is maximized between the activation paddle and plinth, then force transmission is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection on the plinth serves as an intermediary that reduces direct frictional contact between the activation paddle and the plinth body. Instead of maximizing friction through direct contact, the projection creates a mechanical advantage by converting lateral force into downward force through its geometry, thereby maintaining effective force transmission while minimizing energy loss to friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the conventional friction-based force transmission mechanism with a mechanical advantage system using the projection's geometric configuration. This replaces the need for high friction contact with a lever-like mechanism that amplifies the applied force, reducing energy loss while maintaining effective force transmission to the spray channel.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spray through cap (1) for a pressurised fluid container (2), said cap comprising an outer shell (6) defining a outlet aperture (3) and a sidewall gap (4), a chassis (8) over which the outer shell sits, the chassis comprising a plinth (11) that supports a spray channel (7) suitable for transferring a pressurised fluid from a pressurised fluid container to the outlet aperture and an activation paddle (9) hinged at its lower edge, said activation paddle comprising a member (12) adjacent to the sidewall gap in the outer shell and a strut (13) projecting inwards from said member, the strut pressing upon a projection from the plinth supporting the spray channel and thereby causing depression of the spray channel when lateral pressure is applied to the member adjacent to the sidewall.