Trigger Overcap Assembly Pivot Rod Coupling

Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art trigger actuation systems for pressurized containers are complex, requiring burdensome alignment and multiple moving parts, making them difficult to manufacture and use effectively.

Innovation Solution

A trigger overcap assembly with a housing, cap, and trigger that includes a pivotally coupled manifold and pivot rod, simplifying the actuation mechanism by reducing the number of parts and alignment requirements, allowing for easy attachment and efficient dispensing of contents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional actuating mechanisms with multiple linkages are used, then the valve stem can be actuated, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuation reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of moving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple linkages into a single integrated trigger assembly. The trigger assembly includes a trigger body, trigger arm, and linkage elements that are merged into one cohesive structure, eliminating the need for separate, independently assembled linkages while maintaining the valve actuation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger assembly serves multiple functions within a single component structure. It provides both the actuating mechanism for the valve stem and the structural framework for the overcap assembly, reducing the overall number of parts needed while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional actuating mechanisms with multiple linkages are used, then the valve stem can be actuated, but the manufacturing process becomes more burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuation reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple linkages into a single integrated trigger assembly. The trigger assembly includes a trigger body, trigger arm, and linkage elements that are merged into one cohesive structure, eliminating the need for separate, independently assembled linkages while maintaining the valve actuation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger assembly is designed as a modular unit that can be manufactured separately and then attached to the overcap assembly. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the trigger mechanism using optimized processes while simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If complex alignment and engagement steps are required, then the trigger can be attached to the overcap, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger-overcap attachment reliabilityVSAvoiduser interface simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger assembly is pre-configured with integrated linkages and alignment features during manufacturing. The trigger arm is pre-positioned to engage with the valve stem at the correct angle and position, eliminating the need for complex field alignment procedures by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple linkages into a single integrated trigger assembly. The trigger assembly includes a trigger body, trigger arm, and linkage elements that are merged into one cohesive structure, eliminating the need for separate, independently assembled linkages while maintaining the valve actuation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3844082B1Trigger overcap assembly

Publication Date: 2024.11.27 SC JOHNSON & SON INC

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AI summary

A trigger overcap assembly (102) includes a housing (108) having a body (204), a cap (106) secured to an upper end of the body (204), and a trigger (110) at least partially disposed within the body (204). The trigger (110) includes a manifold (268) having a fluid passageway (266), and a pivot rod (310) of the trigger (110) is pivotally coupled with a pivot notch (354) of the cap (106).