Trigger Sprayer Discharge Valve Pre-Compression Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trigger sprayers lack efficient pre-compression systems that allow for optimal pressure build-up and particle size control, leading to suboptimal spray patterns and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A trigger sprayer design featuring a discharge valve with a flexible material and a frame-latch mechanism that allows for pre-compression build-up before unseating, enabling controlled pressure release and improved spray characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional discharge valve is used, then the structure is simple, but pre-compression capability is insufficient leading to suboptimal spray patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray pattern qualityVSAvoidvalve structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge valve is segmented into multiple functional components: a valve body, a frame with opposing latches, and a pre-compression mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively achieving improved spray patterns through controlled pre-compression, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and spray quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve incorporates a pre-compression mechanism that compresses the product before discharge. This preliminary action builds up pressure in advance, ensuring optimal spray patterns and particle sizes are achieved during discharge, directly addressing the spray pattern quality issue while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stress or pressure

If a pre-compression system is added, then pressure build-up is improved, but valve displacement control becomes critical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure build-upVSAvoidvalve positioning stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame incorporates opposing latches that act as mechanical counterweights to balance and control valve displacement during pre-compression. These latches provide equal and opposite forces to maintain valve positioning stability while allowing the necessary pressure build-up, resolving the contradiction between pressure generation and positioning control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve design incorporates parameters such as latch engagement force, valve spring constant, and pre-compression distance that can be adjusted to optimize both pressure build-up and positioning stability. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves reliable pressure generation while maintaining precise valve control throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If the valve body is made thinner to reduce weight, then material usage is reduced, but structural strength during actuation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve weightVSAvoidvalve body strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is constructed using composite materials that combine lightweight properties with high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the valve to be thinner and lighter while maintaining the structural strength required during actuation, directly resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and strength maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body incorporates curved and spherical geometric features that distribute stress more evenly throughout the structure. These curved designs provide structural reinforcement without requiring increased thickness, allowing weight reduction while maintaining adequate strength during the actuation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 enhances the pre-compression system, allowing for consistent and controlled dispensing of products with finer particle sizes and improved spray patterns, addressing the limitations of existing designs.

Implementation Method 1

a frame retaining the at least one outer edge of the valve in a seated position against the valve body, the frame consisting of two opposing latches configured to secure to the valve body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the frame rim is configured to prevent displacement of the valve body past the frame rim during actuation of the trigger sprayer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Constraint: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP2696990B1Improved trigger sprayer valves

Publication Date: 2020.08.05 SILGAN DISPENSING SYSTEMS CORP

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AI summary

A trigger sprayer having a valve body configured to accept a discharge valve for a pre-compression configuration or a valve and plug combination for a non-pre-compression configuration where the discharge valve may include a frame and valve which may be bi-injected or assembled to provide a pre-compression valve for the trigger sprayer.