Trigger Dispenser Connection System Angular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in correctly reattaching the dispensing head to the bottle in trigger dispensing devices, especially when the connection requires a specific angular position, leading to unreliable and inefficient refilling processes.
Innovation Solution
A connection system between the dispensing head and bottle that ensures proper alignment only when the head and bottle are in a predefined angular position, utilizing a bayonet connection with specific guide regions, ramps, and catch mechanisms to facilitate snap-engagement and disengagement, ensuring axial overlap and preventing incorrect assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a bayonet connection system is used to enable rapid and effective application, then the connection speed and reliability are improved, but the user faces considerable difficulties in correctly reattaching the dispensing head to the bottle
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs asymmetric geometric features including a non-circular cross-section of the neck relative to the frame, and asymmetric positioning of guide ramps and catch elements. This asymmetry creates a unique angular orientation that allows rapid connection while preventing incorrect reattachment, as the asymmetric features only align properly at the correct angular position.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide ramps are positioned and angled to preliminarily guide the frame into the correct angular alignment with the neck during the approach phase. The asymmetric guide regions prepare the connection by forcing the components into the proper orientation before final engagement, eliminating the need for user adjustment during reattachment.
2Ease of operation
If the connection system permits coupling in multiple relevant positions, then the ease of attachment is improved, but the head and neck cannot achieve the predefined mutual angular position required for proper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric cross-sectional geometry of the neck and frame, combined with asymmetric guide ramps and catch elements, ensures that only one angular position allows proper engagement. The asymmetric features create geometric constraints that prevent coupling at incorrect angles while maintaining ease of attachment through the guiding action of the ramps.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific local geometric features are designed with different properties at different angular positions. The guide ramps have specific angles and positions that provide guiding action only at the correct orientation, while catch elements are positioned to engage only when the predefined angular relationship is achieved, ensuring local geometric constraints enforce global angular precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reversible connection system is used to enable user refilling, then the adaptability is improved, but the user faces difficulties in correctly reattaching the head after separation
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric geometric features maintain reversibility by allowing the frame to be detached from the neck while ensuring that reattachment follows a unique, predetermined path. The asymmetric guide ramps and catch elements guide the frame back into the correct angular position during reattachment, making the reversible connection both adaptable for refilling and easy to reattach.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide ramps perform preliminary alignment action during the reattachment process, automatically orienting the frame at the correct angle relative to the neck before final engagement. This preliminary guiding action simplifies the refilling operation by eliminating the need for user alignment adjustments after bottle replacement.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A neck (8) of a bottle (4) and a skirt (32) of a trigger dispensing head (2) are engageable with each other exclusively in a relevant predefined angular position, wherein the axial snap-engagement between the skirt and the neck is possible.