Sprayer USD Valve Ball Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprayers with upside-down delivery (USD) functionality require numerous additional components and costly modifications to existing filling lines, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sprayer design featuring a cylindrical chamber behind the pump body with a ball that moves between positions to allow or block liquid flow, enabling USD functionality with minimal additional components and adaptability to existing filling lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a USD valve assembly is added to enable upside-down operation, then the sprayer can deliver liquid in upside-down position, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the USD valve assembly with the pump chamber by forming the USD cavity within the pump chamber volume. The ball valve mechanism is integrated into this cavity, eliminating the need for separate USD components. The cavity is defined by the pump chamber walls and the ball valve, creating a compact integrated structure that enables upside-down operation without adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as the pumping chamber for normal operation and simultaneously houses the USD cavity with the ball valve mechanism for upside-down operation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining both upright and upside-down delivery capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a USD valve assembly is added to enable upside-down operation, then the sprayer can deliver liquid in upside-down position, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The USD cavity is formed within the existing pump chamber volume during the injection molding process. This integrated design allows the USD functionality to be incorporated into the standard pump chamber manufacturing process, avoiding the need for separate USD component manufacturing and assembly operations, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball valve mechanism automatically positions itself based on gravity and pressure differential. In upside-down position, the ball moves to close the suction duct opening; in upright position, it opens the duct. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems or additional actuating components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a USD valve assembly with dedicated filling line is used, then upside-down operation is enabled, but the dimensions require costly modifications to existing filling lines
Solution Approach 1:
The USD cavity is formed within the existing pump chamber volume, utilizing the space already allocated for pumping operations. This integration means the USD mechanism does not increase the overall dimensions of the sprayer body, allowing compatibility with existing filling line equipment without requiring costly modifications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If numerous additional components are added for USD operation, then upside-down delivery is enabled, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the USD valve assembly within the pump chamber, merging multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The ball valve mechanism is housed within the USD cavity that is formed within the pump chamber volume, creating a compact design that reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump chamber serves dual purposes: as the pumping chamber for normal operation and as the housing for the USD cavity with ball valve mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the design while maintaining both upright and upside-down delivery capabilities.
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
Enables efficient upside-down operation with reduced component count and cost, maintaining simplicity and versatility, including the option to convert to a non-USD sprayer without significant changes to filling lines.
Implementation Method 1
a ball (42), which in normal conditions of use of the sprayer (Up position) is disposed on a conical surface (43) closing the duct (44)
Implementation Method 2
allowing the liquid to flow out therefrom through the above mentioned slots provided in the side wall of the cylindrical cavity, following the depression created by operation of the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A sprayer for liquids including a USD (Upside Down) device which allows operation of the sprayer in the upright and upside down positions.