Integrated Squeeze Sprayer Closure for Drip-Free Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray mist dispensers, particularly inverted squeeze sprayers, face challenges in reducing component parts for cost savings and mitigating liquid dripping when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A squeeze sprayer closure with a three-component design, including a diaphragm valve and dip tube, which facilitates the mixing of air and liquid to generate a spray mist upon squeezing, and a flip-top cap with a unique chamber design to prevent dripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pump sprayer mechanism is used to achieve atomization, then high back pressure and flow velocity are achieved, but the number of component parts increases to 6-9 parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated closure assembly. The closure integrates the spray head, valve mechanism, dip tube connection, and bottle cap into one unified component structure, eliminating the need for separate pump mechanisms and reducing the total part count from 6-9 components to a minimal integrated assembly while maintaining atomization capability through pressure-driven flow
2Device complexity
If an inverted squeeze sprayer design is used, then component part count is reduced, but liquid dripping occurs when the dispenser is inverted and not squeezed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a valve mechanism within the closure assembly that automatically closes to prevent liquid flow when the bottle is inverted and not being squeezed. This preliminary anti-action mechanism counteracts the gravitational force that would otherwise cause dripping, allowing the inverted orientation to be used without the harmful dripping effect
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
Reduces the number of component parts and assembly time while effectively preventing liquid dripping when the sprayer is inverted and not squeezed, ensuring efficient atomization and spray mist delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm valve is a two-way valve and is provided as one of the three parts for the mitigation of possible dripping of liquid product
Implementation Method 2
squeezing of the bottle forces air and liquid into the chamber and then through the outlet as a spray mist
Implementation Method 3
The product which is dispensed from this type of structure is often the result of atomization with the selected liquid product being delivered as a mist or spray
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3B
AI summary
An inverted squeeze sprayer for dispensing liquid product is a spray mist includes a squeeze bottle and a squeeze sprayer closure (22) attached to the squeeze bottle. The squeeze sprayer closure includes a cap (26) which defines a chamber (70) for receipt of air and liquid and further defines an outlet (64). Further included as a part of the squeeze sprayer closure is a valve (28) which is assembled into the squeeze sprayer cap and a dip tube (30) which is received by the squeeze sprayer cap. The dip tube is constructed and arranged to provide air to the chamber and the squeezing of the bottle forces air and liquid into the chamber and from there through the outlet to be dispensed as a spray mist.