Trigger Lock Mechanism for Liquid Spray Dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spray dispenser locking mechanisms, such as those using barriers to block the nozzle flow path, can lead to residual liquid discharge, pressure build-up, and undesirable spray patterns, and may be aesthetically unappealing or prone to damage.

Innovation Solution

A trigger locking mechanism where a projection on the nozzle cover engages with a projection engaging surface on the trigger, preventing actuation without blocking the nozzle flow path, and includes an indicator to show the locked or unlocked state, ensuring the trigger cannot be accidentally activated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a barrier is used to block the nozzle flow path to prevent accidental discharge, then the spray dispenser is locked, but residual liquid remains in the nozzle causing unwanted discharge and uneven spray patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental dischargeVSAvoidresidual liquid discharge and uneven spray patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: the barrier element blocks the nozzle flow path to prevent liquid discharge, while the trigger lock element separately prevents trigger actuation. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, solving the problem of residual liquid remaining in the nozzle while the dispenser is locked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger lock element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the barrier element and the trigger. When the trigger is actuated, it moves the barrier element to block the nozzle flow path, and simultaneously engages the trigger lock element to prevent further trigger actuation. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the trigger cannot be actuated to discharge residual liquid while maintaining the barrier in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a barrier is used to block the nozzle flow path, then accidental discharge is prevented, but pressure builds up in the buffer system potentially damaging the spray dispenser

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental dischargeVSAvoidpressure build-up in buffer system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger lock element serves as an intermediary that decouples the barrier blocking function from the trigger actuation function. By preventing trigger actuation separately from the barrier positioning, the mechanism allows the barrier to remain in place blocking the nozzle flow path without causing pressure build-up, since the trigger cannot be actuated to force liquid against the barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger lock element is engaged in advance by the trigger movement itself. When the trigger is actuated to position the barrier, the trigger lock element is simultaneously engaged to prevent further actuation. This preliminary engagement ensures that before any pressure build-up can occur, the trigger is already locked and cannot force additional liquid against the barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a bar is placed over the trigger lever to lock the spray dispenser, then the trigger cannot be actuated, but the bar may break upon contact with outside objects and interferes with user fingers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger lock capabilityVSAvoiddurability of locking component

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is segmented from the trigger lever itself and integrated into the trigger assembly structure. The trigger lock element is an internal component that engages with the trigger mechanism, eliminating the need for external bars or protruding locking elements that could break upon contact with outside objects or interfere with user fingers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger lock element is merged with the trigger assembly, forming an integrated unit. The trigger lock element engages with the trigger lever through internal mechanical interaction, combining the locking function with the existing trigger structure. This integration eliminates separate locking components that would be vulnerable to damage while maintaining effective trigger locking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3517216B1Liquid dispensing product having a spray dispenser with a trigger lock

Publication Date: 2021.09.01 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

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AI summary

A liquid dispensing product having: a lockable spray dispenser and a liquid composition, the spray dispenser configured to spray the composition. The spray dispenser having a shroud housing a pump, the shroud having a shroud top surface; a rotatable nozzle cover housing a discharge nozzle, the discharge nozzle in fluid communication with the pump; a trigger operatively engaged with the pump, the trigger having a trigger front surface facing away from the shroud and an opposing trigger back surface and a pair of opposing trigger lateral edges; a projection extending outwardly from the nozzle cover; and a projection engaging surface on the trigger back surface. The projection is rotatably engageable with the projection engaging surface. The entirety of the projection is below the shroud top surface, behind the trigger back surface, and between the trigger lateral edges when the projection is engaged with the projection engaging surface and when the projection is disengaged with said projection engaging surface. The liquid composition having from about 5% to about 15%, by weight of the composition, of a surfactant system.