Remote Spray Gun Rod-Casing Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for fluids and expanding foams face challenges in directing the spray to remote or hard-to-reach locations due to the size and shape of the container, and there is a need to prevent undispensed foam from expanding or leaking.
Innovation Solution
A remote spray gun apparatus with a flexible connection to a spray can, featuring a trigger mechanism and a rod-casing system that allows independent positioning of the nozzle, enabling dispensing at a remote location while preventing backflow and further expansion through a check valve and sealing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foam is dispensed directly from a can, then the dispensing process is simple, but the size and shape of the can prevent dispensing to desired locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: the spray can remains stationary while a remote spray gun apparatus is connected via flexible hose. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be positioned independently at remote locations while the can remains in an accessible position, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability to confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible hose acts as an intermediary connection between the spray can and the remote spray gun apparatus. This intermediary element transmits the foam material while allowing independent positioning of the nozzle relative to the can, enabling access to confined spaces without requiring the can itself to be maneuvered into difficult-to-reach locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is positioned remotely from the can, then access to confined spaces is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray gun apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single device: it includes the nozzle for dispensing, a rod-casing sealing mechanism for preventing leakage, and a trigger mechanism for controlled operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining remote positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is nested within the casing, with the rod's outer surface forming part of the sealing mechanism against the nozzle's inner surface. This nested arrangement allows the sealing function to be integrated within the existing structural components rather than requiring additional separate sealing elements, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the rod seals the nozzle opening, then prevention of foam leakage is achieved, but fluid material cannot be dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is made movable within the casing along the longitudinal axis, allowing it to dynamically transition between two positions: retracted to permit foam dispensing through the nozzle, and extended to seal against the nozzle inner surface and prevent leakage. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and dispensing capability by allowing the system to switch between these two states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism enables periodic actuation of the rod, moving it between the retracted (dispensing) and extended (sealing) positions. This periodic action allows the operator to control when foam is dispensed and when the nozzle is sealed, achieving both productivity during dispensing intervals and reliability during sealing intervals through repeated cycles of the same mechanism.
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
Facilitates the precise dispensing of expanding foam into confined spaces and prevents undispensed material from expanding or leaking, enhancing accessibility and control over the dispensing process.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling mechanism may include a check valve or other type of valve that prevents backflow of fluid from upon detachment from the material supply.
Implementation Method 2
the rod is configured and arranged with the casing to prevent the fluid material from being dispensed through the rod and the nozzle in a closed state in which the end portion of the rod seals the nozzle opening
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a spray gun apparatus having a casing with a nozzle. A rod extends within the casing and has an end portion with openings therein, for dispensing material. The rod operates with the casing to move relative to one another, for selectively dispensing the material. When the nozzle is positioned such that it is offset from the end portion of the rod, fluid material is allowed to flow out of the rod and is dispensed through the nozzle. When the end portion of the rod is positioned to seal the nozzle opening (e.g., via relative movement of the casing and rod), the fluid material is prevented from being dispensed through the nozzle. In certain implementations, an adapter interface is operable for coupling to an aerosol container having the material to be dispensed, and includes a conduit coupled to the rod for supplying the material.