Trigger Sprayer Air-Spring Valve Precompression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trigger sprayer systems lack an efficient precompression mechanism and often incorporate multiple metal parts or complex designs, which can increase costs and reduce product dispersion effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A trigger sprayer with an air-spring valve system that utilizes an air pocket between the valve and tube retainer to provide precompression, allowing fluid to be released only when the applied pressure exceeds the air pressure, using a simplified design with fewer parts and potentially plastic or elastomeric materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a precompression system is added to the trigger sprayer, then spray mechanics and product dispersion are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the precompression function from a separate mechanical system and integrates it into the existing valve structure using a trapped air pocket. The air pocket is formed by the valve body geometry itself, eliminating the need for additional precompression components while maintaining the beneficial spray mechanics and dispersion effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the precompression chamber with the valve body structure. The air pocket is trapped within the existing valve assembly geometry, combining multiple functions (valve operation and precompression) into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving improved spray performance.
2Reliability
If multiple metal parts are used in the valve system, then reliability and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic for the valve body and related components. This substitution maintains the structural integrity and sealing functionality required for reliable operation while dramatically reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying production processes through injection molding and other plastic fabrication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction where plastic components (valve body, tube retainer) are combined with elastomeric sealing elements. This composite approach maintains reliability through the elastomeric sealing properties while using cost-effective plastic for the structural components, avoiding the need for entirely metal construction.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified design with fewer parts is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but achieving effective precompression becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service precompression mechanism where the trapped air pocket automatically provides the necessary precompression force during valve operation. The air pocket is trapped by the valve body geometry itself and requires no external power source, control system, or additional components to function, achieving effective precompression through the inherent properties of the simplified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure from the trapped air pocket to provide precompression force. The air pocket acts as a spring, using gas pressure to maintain valve closure and provide the necessary precompression effect, replacing what would traditionally require mechanical springs or other complex mechanisms.
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 air-spring valve system effectively provides precompression, enhancing spray mechanics and dispersion while reducing the number of parts and potential material costs, improving the overall efficiency and performance of the trigger sprayer.
Implementation Method 1
an air-spring valve system wherein the air-spring valve system provides precompression during a pump stroke. The precompression forces developed in the valve system during a pump stroke may originate from an air valve or air pocket trapped between a portion of a valve body and a part of the valve system
Implementation Method 2
Air trapped in a chamber or space between a portion of the valve and the tube retainer may provide a force against the valve such that a certain force must be applied to the valve before it allows product to be release from the trigger sprayer
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system for a trigger sprayer including a valve forming an air spring with a portion of the trigger sprayer and being made of a flexible or elastomeric material. The trigger sprayer may include an air-spring valve system wherein the air-spring valve system provides precompression during a pump stroke. The precompression forces developed in the valve system during a pump stroke may originate from an air valve or air pocket trapped between a portion of a valve body and a part of the valve system. For example, a valve may be inserted in a tube retainer which is connected to a valve body of a trigger sprayer. Air trapped in a chamber or space between a portion of the valve and the tube retainer may provide a force against the valve such that a certain force must be applied to the valve before it allows product to be released.