Spray Head Display Mechanism for Irritant Cartridge Activation Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irritant spray devices lack reliability in indicating whether the pressure vessel has been activated, potentially leading to accidental use of an empty or partially used device, which can result in unintended discharge.
Innovation Solution
A frictionally held sliding element on the spray head changes position when pressed down, creating a visual and tactile indication of first-time use by destroying a thin material bridge, allowing users to determine if the device has been operated, thus enhancing operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no display device is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot determine whether the pressure vessel has been activated, leading to potential accidental use
Solution Approach 1:
The display device utilizes a sliding element that changes its visual appearance (becomes visible or changes position) to indicate the operational status of the pressure vessel. This visual change provides clear feedback to the user about whether the device has been activated, improving reliability without requiring complex electronic displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential electronic or complex mechanical display systems with a simple friction-held sliding element that moves in response to pressure vessel activation. This mechanical indicator provides reliable status information through its position change, balancing simplicity with functional reliability.
2Reliability
If a display device is added to indicate activation status, then operational reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display function is segmented as a separate sliding element within the spray head, independent from the main pressure vessel and spray mechanism. This modular approach allows the display function to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire device structure, maintaining relative simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding element acts as an intermediary between the pressure vessel activation and the user. It translates the internal activation event into an external visible signal, providing clear feedback without requiring direct observation of internal mechanisms, thus improving reliability with minimal structural addition.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sliding element is frictionally held, then it provides stable position indication, but it requires sufficient friction force to maintain position
Solution Approach 1:
The friction holding mechanism is localized to specific contact surfaces within the spray head where the sliding element interfaces with the housing. By concentrating the friction force requirement to these localized areas rather than distributing it throughout the entire device, the design achieves stable position indication without requiring excessive overall force.
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 clear and irreversible visual and tactile indication of the device's first-time use, reducing the risk of accidental discharge and improving user confidence in the device's operational status.
Implementation Method 1
a frictionally held sliding element on the spray head changes its position when the spray head is pressed down
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device has a pressure container (14) i.e. irritant cartridge, for storing an irritant, and a spray head (18) arranged on the container for dispensing the irritant by pressing of the spray head. The spray head comprises a display device (34) that has a rod shaped disk element (60) and a material section (73). The disk element is movable from a position to another position with a pressing of the spray head (18) by supporting at the container. The material section is held by a thin material bridge, which is permanently deformed into the latter position during movement of the disk element.