Liquid Spray Dispenser with Electric Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid spray dispenser systems are inefficient as they require frequent replacement of aerosol containers once the liquid is depleted, with little utility remaining as only propellant gas is released, and lack efficient mechanisms for periodic dispensing of liquids like insecticides and lubricants.
Innovation Solution
A liquid spray dispensing system with a housing, a flexible or movable liquid container, and an actuator that reduces the container's volume to dispense liquid through a spray nozzle unit, powered by rechargeable batteries or a mains supply, allowing for adjustable timing and pressure-sensitive valve control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple valve actuator is used for pressurized aerosol containers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is insufficient due to frequent container replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the aerosol container with a reusable dispensing system housing that contains an electric actuator and timer mechanism. The container integrates with the housing to form a unified dispensing system, allowing the expensive reusable components to be separated from the consumable container while maintaining efficient periodic dispensing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system housing with electric actuator and timer is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different aerosol container types and sizes. The system provides multiple functions including periodic timing control, electric actuation, and various spray pattern options, making it adaptable to different application requirements while maintaining high productivity.
2Productivity
If periodic dispensing is implemented with electric actuators and timers, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable housing containing the electric actuator and timer control system, and a replaceable aerosol container. This segmentation allows the complex control functions to be isolated in the housing while the container remains simple and interchangeable, managing overall system complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerosol container is designed as a disposable or replaceable component, while the expensive reusable housing contains the complex electric actuator and timer mechanisms. This approach allows the complex control system to be maintained and reused indefinitely, while only the simple consumable container needs periodic replacement, effectively managing complexity costs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the container is made non-pressurized or partially-pressurized, then the safety is improved by reducing propellant gas release, but the speed of liquid dispensing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces reliance on propellant gas pressure with an electric actuator mechanism that mechanically opens the valve. The electric motor-driven actuator provides controlled valve operation that can achieve sufficient dispensing speed without requiring high propellant pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for pressurized containers and associated harmful gas releases.
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
Enables efficient and periodic dispensing of liquids, extending the system's utility by using rechargeable components and flexible containers, allowing for continuous operation until the liquid is fully depleted, and facilitating easy replacement of containers.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator in the housing, the actuator being operably engageable with the flexible or movable wall portion to reduce the volume of the liquid storage compartment, so as to enable at least a portion of the liquid within the liquid storage compartment to be dispensed through the spray nozzle unit
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid spray dispensing system has a liquid container receivable within a housing, provided in separable housing portions. The liquid container has at least one flexible side or end wall or a slidable end wall, movable by an actuator, to reduce the volume of a liquid storage compartment containing the liquid to be dispensed through a spray nozzle unit operably connected to the liquid storage compartment. By operating the spray nozzle unit, or a switch operably connected to a spray actuator of the spray nozzle unit, the actuator moves the flexible or slidable wall to reduce the volume of the liquid storage compartment, and thereby cause the pressurized liquid to be dispensed through the spray nozzle unit.