Spray Dispenser With Transparent Window And Latch Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spray dispensers for personal care products lack a compact and user-friendly design that allows easy identification of replaceable canisters and efficient actuation mechanism, making it difficult to differentiate between various contents and ensuring secure and easy canister replacement.

Innovation Solution

A compact spray dispenser with a transparent viewing window for canister identification and a mechanical actuator assembly featuring a leaf spring and latch mechanism for secure canister retention and easy access, along with a locking mechanism for actuator control, allowing for a portable and versatile application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a compact design is implemented, then portability is improved, but canister identification and actuator access may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidcanister identification and actuator access
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a transparent or translucent housing material that allows users to visually identify canister contents through the housing walls. This transparency principle enables compact design while maintaining ease of canister identification, as users can see through the housing to differentiate between various canister types without requiring additional labeling space or larger dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added for actuator control, then accidental discharge is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental discharge preventionVSAvoidactuator mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator mechanism incorporates a self-locking feature where the actuator button automatically engages with the valve stem and maintains pressure without requiring additional locking components. The spring-loaded design provides automatic reset functionality, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms while preventing accidental discharge through the inherent mechanical engagement of the actuator with the valve assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a replaceable canister system is implemented, then versatility is improved, but canister retention security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecanister replacement capabilityVSAvoidcanister retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is divided into separable components: a reusable housing containing the actuator mechanism and a replaceable canister. The housing includes a receptacle with a retaining structure that securely holds the canister during use, while allowing easy removal and replacement. This segmentation enables versatility through canister replacement while maintaining secure retention during operation through the dedicated receptacle design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides a compact, user-friendly dispenser that enables easy identification of canister contents and secure actuation, ensuring efficient and portable application of personal care products while preventing accidental discharge and facilitating easy canister replacement.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member biased against the canister to resist movement of the canister during use of the dispenser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an aerosol canister fitted with an actuator mechanism and spray nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerosol: Aerosol

Implementation Method 3

a manually depressible actuator button positioned at the upper end of the spray dispenser for actuation of the spray dispenser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure Increase: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP1993545B1Spray dispensers
Publication Date: 2014.07.09 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP1993545B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1993545B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1993545B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3

AI summary

Spray dispensers (10) and body spray systems are provided. The spray dispensers (10) 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 (30). In some implementations, the spray dispensers include an actuator lock (22).