Spray Dispenser Hinged Closure and Actuator Lock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol spray dispensers for personal care products lack user-friendly designs for easy replacement of cartridges and accidental actuation prevention, and they do not effectively display the type of contents within the dispenser.

Innovation Solution

A compact, portable spray dispenser with a hinged closure and latch mechanism for easy cartridge replacement, an actuator lock to prevent accidental actuation, and a viewing window to identify the contents, allowing users to see external markings on replaceable aerosol canisters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional sealed aerosol dispenser is used, then the product is protected from accidental actuation, but the cartridge cannot be easily replaced and the contents cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge replacement easeVSAvoidaccidental actuation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is divided into a reusable housing and replaceable cartridges, allowing easy cartridge replacement while maintaining the sealed protection of the housing. The hinged closure provides a clear opening for cartridge insertion and removal while maintaining security during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A hinged closure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the cartridge compartment. It provides a controlled interface for cartridge replacement while maintaining the sealed protection of the dispenser body, preventing accidental actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If a viewing window is added to the housing, then the contents can be identified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontents identificationVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The viewing window utilizes the transparency or color properties of the housing material to provide visual identification of cartridge contents. This simple optical property allows users to identify contents without adding complex mechanical or electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If an actuator lock mechanism is added, then accidental actuation is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental actuation preventionVSAvoidactuator assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator lock mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the natural movement of the actuator button. The spring-loaded latch portion self-activates when the button is pressed, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7922041B2Spray dispensers
Publication Date: 2011.04.12 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • US7922041B2 patent drawing
  • US7922041B2 patent drawing
  • US7922041B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Spray dispensers and body spray systems are provided. The spray dispensers are suitable for use with aerosol personal care compositions, e.g., body sprays, and are configured to allow removal and replacement of an aerosol spray canister. In some implementations, the spray dispensers include an actuator lock.