Spray Head End Cap Grooves for Aqueous Aerosol Drip Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray devices using aqueous compressed air aerosol formulations experience excessive droplet build-up and dripping from the spray head, leading to staining, due to the slower evaporation of aqueous solutions and lack of break-up force from compressed air propellants, which is exacerbated by the increasing use of aqueous-based formulations.
Innovation Solution
The spray head features a modified end-cap with grooves and a highly hydrophilic surface that encourages wicking and evaporation of excess fluid, along with ribs to retain and direct droplets towards the inlet, preventing them from falling and causing stains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous compressed air aerosol formulations are used, then environmental and regulatory compliance is improved, but droplet build-up and dripping from the spray head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end-cap incorporates a wicking material with porous structure that absorbs excess formulation through capillary action. The porous material draws liquid from the spray outlet area, preventing droplet accumulation and dripping while maintaining compatibility with aqueous compressed air aerosol formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
A wicking material is introduced as an intermediary component between the spray outlet and the external environment. This intermediate layer absorbs and transports excess formulation away from the spray head, preventing direct droplet formation and staining on surfaces below.
2Loss of energy
If compressed air propellants are used, then cost and environmental impact are improved, but break-up force for complete vapourisation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The porous wicking material provides capillary forces that enhance liquid break-up and distribution. This compensates for the reduced break-up force of compressed air propellants, enabling complete vapourisation of aqueous formulations without requiring stronger propellant forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters at the spray outlet by introducing a wicking material with specific pore size and surface properties. This modifies the liquid flow characteristics and surface area, enhancing evaporation efficiency despite the lower energy density of compressed air compared to traditional propellants.
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 effectively reduces droplet formation and staining by promoting the evaporation of excess fluid and directing droplets back into the system, maintaining the spray pattern and improving the performance with aqueous compressed air aerosol formulations.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the front face of the end cap has grooves that provide a wicking effect
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the end cap front face has a highly hydrophilic surface to discourage droplet formation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modified spray head suitable for use with an aerosol composition.