Time-Delay Actuator Assembly for Aerosol Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol dispensing systems lack reliable and inexpensive time-delay mechanisms that are resistant to external disturbances during shipping and use, making them inefficient for controlled release of chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A time-delay actuator assembly with an inner and outer cap, a retainer, biasing member, and a time-delay member that resists axial movement, allowing for a controlled rotation to engage the release valve after a specified delay, ensuring the chemical is dispensed only after a set period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external cap-stem interaction structure is used for time-delay, then the operator can leave the dispense area to avoid exposure, but the structure may be disturbed during shipping or handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the time-delay mechanism inside the actuator assembly, with the cap rotating relative to the actuator body rather than using an external cap-stem structure. The time-delay member is nested within the actuator, protected from external disturbances during shipping while still allowing operator activation by rotating the cap.
2Extent of automation
If a total release automated dispensing system is used, then the entire contents are dispersed automatically, but the structure is complex and difficult for the operator to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispensing function into two parts: a simple operator action (rotating the cap) and an automated time-delayed release mechanism. The cap rotation initiates the process, but the actual dispensing is automatically controlled by the time-delay member and actuator, separating the simple user interface from the complex automated mechanism.
3Productivity
If manual pressure is applied to the activator button, then the chemical is dispensed continuously, but there is no time-delay for operator safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the operator to rotate the cap in advance, which initiates the time-delay sequence before the chemical is actually dispensed. This preliminary rotation action sets the mechanism in motion, creating a time buffer between operator activation and chemical release, ensuring operator safety while maintaining dispensing functionality.
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 provides a reliable and inexpensive time-delay mechanism that prevents accidental dispensing during shipping and handling, allowing operators a safe period to leave the area before the chemical is released, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is interposed between the actuator and the outer cap such that rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap increases the potential energy of the biasing member that is ultimately used to urge the actuator toward a release valve
Implementation Method 2
A time-delay member separately formed from the retainer and inner cap and positioned inward of the outer cap and fixed relative to one of the inner cap and the outer cap, the time-delay member being adapted to resist essentially axial movement between the inner cap and the outer cap
Data Source
AI summary
A time-delay actuator assembly is disclosed that can dispense chemicals from an aerosol container. The time-delay actuator assembly is mountable to the aerosol container and includes an inner cap, an outer cap adjacent the inner cap, a retainer coupled to the outer cap, a biasing member, and a time-delay member between the inner cap and the outer cap that resists essentially axial movement between the inner cap and the outer cap when the outer cap has been rotated to align a guide member with an essentially axial section of a guide track, thereby causing a time-delay between when the guide member is aligned with the essentially axial section and when chemicals are dispensed from the aerosol container.