Trigger Dispensing Head Locking Mechanism for Transport Leak Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing devices often leak during transport due to accidental activation of the trigger, and existing locking solutions are not efficient for high-volume production and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing head with a reversible locking device that mechanically locks the trigger in place during transport and can be easily unlocked by the user, featuring a rotatable locking mechanism integrated with an elastic return element for quick and reliable assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking device is added to prevent accidental dispensing during transport, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of accidental dispensingVSAvoidstructure of dispensing head
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is integrated with the return element into a single unified component. The locking protrusions are formed as part of the return element structure, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism operates automatically through the natural movement of the return element. When the trigger is pressed, the return element moves and engages/disengages the locking protrusions with the trigger body without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a rotatable locking mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control of lockingVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is segmented into discrete locking protrusions on the return element that engage with corresponding features on the trigger body. This segmentation allows for simple mold-based manufacturing and straightforward assembly without requiring complex rotatable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking protrusions are pre-formed as integral parts of the return element during molding. This preliminary formation eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to create the locking features, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the locking device prevents trigger movement, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device and return element are combined into a single integrated component that is installed in one assembly operation. This merging eliminates multiple assembly steps, maintaining high productivity while ensuring reliable leakage prevention through the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism self-activates during normal trigger operation without requiring separate assembly or adjustment steps. The return element automatically engages the locking protrusions with the trigger body, ensuring reliable leakage prevention while maintaining fast assembly speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Prevents accidental dispensing during transport while allowing user-controlled activation, facilitating fast and reliable assembly, and maintaining compatibility with existing production machinery.

Implementation Method 1

a return element (30) at least partially deformable elastically under the action of the user on the trigger (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3723910B1Trigger dispensing head with locking device
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 GUALA DISPENSING SPA
  • EP3723910B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3723910B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3723910B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A trigger dispensing head (1) for a liquid dispensing device comprises a chassis (4), a trigger (20), elastic return means comprising a return element (30) supported by the chassis (4), and a reversible locking device (70). The locking device (70) is supported by the return element (30) of the non-return means.