Compact Spray Device Actuator Arm Valve Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol container discharge devices lack efficiency and versatility in automatically dispensing fluids based on timed or sensor-activated mechanisms, often resulting in inefficient fluid release and potential over-spraying, especially in heavily trafficked areas.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight dispenser with a high-torque motor and gear train that uses a microprocessor-controlled actuator arm to precisely control the valve stem of an aerosol container, allowing for timed and sensor-activated discharge of fluids, including a unique timing diagram to manage sleep and spraying periods to prevent over-spraying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor and actuator mechanism are used to automatically discharge aerosol fluid, then the discharge can be timed and sensor-activated, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it activates the aerosol valve, controls the discharge timing, and can be integrated with sensor systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing overall device weight while maintaining automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the motor, actuator arm, and valve activation mechanism into a compact nested structure where smaller components are housed within larger ones. The actuator arm is positioned within the housing structure, and the motor is integrated into the same space, reducing the overall footprint and weight of the dispenser system.
2Productivity
If continuous spraying is used to ensure adequate fluid discharge, then the discharge efficiency improves, but over-spraying occurs in heavily trafficked areas
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser employs periodic spraying cycles with alternating sleep and spraying periods. The microprocessor controller activates the motor to depress the valve stem for a predetermined time interval, then allows a sleep period before the next spray cycle. This periodic action ensures adequate fluid discharge while preventing over-spraying in areas with frequent pedestrian traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensor input that provides feedback to the microprocessor controller. When motion is detected or based on predetermined timing conditions, the controller adjusts the spray activation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to environmental conditions and traffic patterns, optimizing discharge efficiency while preventing harmful over-spraying.
3Measurement precision
If a high-torque motor and gear train are used to control the valve stem, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear train acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the valve stem. It transmits and modifies the motor's rotational motion into the precise linear or rotational movement required to activate and control the valve stem. This intermediary mechanism enables precise valve control while allowing the use of a standardized motor, thereby managing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a more streamlined actuator mechanism driven by an electric motor. The gear train provides the necessary mechanical advantage and precision control, eliminating the need for more complex purely mechanical valve actuation systems. This substitution reduces overall mechanism complexity while maintaining precise control capability.
4Productivity
If the actuator arm is positioned to engage the valve stem, then fluid discharge is enabled, but noise is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is designed with cushioning elements or dampers that absorb the impact and reduce noise generated when the actuator arm engages and depresses the valve stem. This beforehand cushioning minimizes the harmful noise effect while preserving the fluid discharge capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing periodic spray cycles with predetermined time intervals between activations, the system allows noise from each discharge event to dissipate before the next activation. This periodic timing reduces the perception of continuous noise and enables adequate sound attenuation between operations, maintaining fluid discharge capability while minimizing operational noise impact.
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 dispenser achieves efficient and controlled fluid discharge, reducing noise and size while preventing over-spraying through alternating sleep and spraying periods, ensuring precise and energy-efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor displaces the actuator mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The released pressurized fluid acts upon a diaphragm within the valving mechanism to force hydraulic fluid from a first chamber into a second chamber
Implementation Method 3
Energization of the solenoid coil causes the container to move upwardly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An automatic discharge device, comprising: a housing (20) having a top portion (104) and a base portion (100), wherein surfaces defining a recess (200) are provided therebetween for securely holding a container (60). The housing has a cover (700) and there is provided a manual switch on the housing (20) which is actuable through an orifice (908) of the cover (700). The manual switch is positioned to be operated via a button (912) attached to the housing and protruding through the orifice in the cover (700), the button (912) including a top surface (916) for engagement by a user's thumb or finger. The device further includes a drive motor (400) in association with the at least one gear (404) and an actuator arm (30). Activation of the drive motor (400) provides for movement of the actuator arm (30) via the at least one gear (404) between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that has a directional component parallel to a longitudinal axis of the recess (200).