Trigger Sprayer Shroud Toggle Switch Adapter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shroud covers for trigger actuated pump sprayers do not allow for adjustability of the nozzle adjuster, exposing operators to liquids during use, particularly hazardous when handling chemicals like pesticides.

Innovation Solution

A shroud with a toggle switch adapter that mounts onto the nozzle, allowing for adjustable discharge settings without direct operator contact, featuring a cone-like projection to direct drips away from the operator and a clamshell design for secure engagement, enabling remote operation of the nozzle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional shroud cover is used to cover the trigger actuated pump sprayer, then operator exposure to liquid is reduced, but nozzle adjuster adjustability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator exposure to liquidVSAvoidnozzle adjuster adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shroud is divided into two separate halves (first shroud half and second shroud half) that can be positioned apart from each other, creating an opening through which the nozzle adjuster can be accessed and operated without removing the shroud cover

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A nozzle adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the nozzle and the shroud. The adapter includes a portion that extends through the opening in the shroud, allowing the operator to adjust the nozzle settings remotely without direct contact with the nozzle itself, thus maintaining both protection and adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the operator directly contacts the nozzle to adjust settings, then nozzle adjustability is maintained, but operator exposure to hazardous chemicals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle adjustabilityVSAvoidoperator exposure to hazardous chemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle adapter serves as a protective intermediary that the operator contacts instead of the nozzle itself. The adapter includes an opening in the shroud through which adjustment can be made, allowing remote operation that prevents direct contact with hazardous chemicals while maintaining full nozzle adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The critical adjustment function is extracted from the nozzle itself and transferred to the nozzle adapter interface. This allows the adjustment mechanism to be accessed through the shroud opening, separating the operator's contact point from the hazardous chemical exposure zone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2872259B1Trigger sprayer comprising a nozzle toggle switch extending through an opening in the shroud

Publication Date: 2020.11.04 CANYON EURO

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AI summary

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trigger actuated pump sprayer comprising a pump body, a trigger lever, a shroud and a nozzle, wherein the trigger actuated pump sprayer further comprises a toggle switch adaptor engaging the nozzle and having an operable portion within an opening in the shroud. In this way, the operable portion of the toggle switch adapter can be guided, controlled, regulated or otherwise manipulated within or around or otherwise because of the opening in the shroud, to remotely operate at least the nozzle of the trigger actuated pump sprayer.