Spray Tip Storage Slot With Interference Fit Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld fluid sprayers often face issues with spray tips being misplaced and drying rapidly due to exposure, especially when not in use, making them difficult to clean and requiring immediate rinsing to prevent clogging.
Innovation Solution
A handheld fluid sprayer with a base featuring a sealable storage slot that forms an air seal with the spray tip via an interference fit, using a compliant material to slow down drying by reducing air flow and preventing fluid from hardening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spray tips are stored exposed to air, then they are easily accessible, but they dry rapidly and become clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The spray tip is nested within a storage compartment that forms an air seal around it. The compliant material deforms to create an interference fit between the storage slot aperture and the spray tip outer surface, effectively nesting the tip within a protective environment that prevents drying while maintaining easy accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment creates an inert or low-oxygen environment around the spray tip by forming an air seal with the compliant material. This sealed environment reduces air flow and oxygen exposure to the spray tip, preventing the spray fluid from drying and clogging the tip during storage.
2Reliability
If spray tips are rinsed immediately after use, then drying is prevented, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment provides preliminary protection against drying by forming an air seal around the spray tip immediately after use. This preliminary action prevents the need for immediate rinsing, as the sealed environment already protects the tip from drying during storage until the next use.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment with its air-sealing compliant material provides self-service protection for the spray tip. The system automatically prevents drying through the interference fit and sealed environment, eliminating the need for manual rinsing or drying actions by the user.
3Ease of operation
If spray tips are left uncapped, then they are easy to access, but they are misplaced and dry out
Solution Approach 1:
The spray tip is nested within a dedicated storage compartment in the base of the sprayer handle. This nesting provides a fixed, organized location that prevents misplacement while the air seal prevents drying, all while keeping the tip easily accessible when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment merges multiple functions into a single integrated feature: it provides a fixed location preventing misplacement, creates an air seal to prevent drying, and remains easily accessible. The compliant material and interference fit mechanism combine structural support, sealing, and retention functions in one system.
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 storage slot effectively prevents spray tips from drying out when not in use, allowing for longer storage and eliminating the need for immediate rinsing, while providing a convenient location for swapping tips during tasks.
Implementation Method 1
the aperture is formed through compliant material and having an aperture diameter less than a diameter of the spray tip. Inserting the spray tip deforms the compliant material to form an air seal of the storage slot via an interference fit.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sprayer comprises a fluid source, a spray nozzle, a pump, and a handle with a base. The spray nozzle is disposed to accept a spray tip with an outlet aperture. The pump is disposed to pump fluid from the fluid source out the outlet aperture of the spray tip. The base has a sealable storage slot sized to contain and form an air seal with the spray tip when not in use.