Trigger Sprayer Locking Mechanism Prevents Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid dispensing devices with closing means do not completely prevent accidental fluid escape during transport or household use, especially when the device actuation involves projecting triggers, as leaks can occur from areas other than the designated dispensing holes.

Innovation Solution

A manually actuated fluid dispensing device with enhanced locking mechanisms, including a piston with specific projections and a nozzle system that engages with a slot and elastic return means, ensures secure closure and controlled fluid dispensing, preventing leaks by locking the dispensing duct until intentional actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If closing means are provided to close the dispensing holes, then accidental fluid escape from dispensing holes is prevented, but the device still allows fluid leakage from other zones when the trigger is accidentally pressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid sealingVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the sealing function into multiple segments: closing means for dispensing holes and separate locking means for the trigger actuation zone. This segmentation allows each component to address specific leakage paths independently, improving overall reliability without requiring a complete redesign of the entire sealing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the trigger and the piston actuation. It introduces a additional control stage that prevents direct transmission of accidental trigger pressure to the piston, thereby blocking the leakage path from the actuation zone while maintaining the original closing means for dispensing holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If locking means are added to prevent accidental trigger actuation, then fluid leakage from actuation zones is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger actuation controlVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means is merged with the existing trigger assembly structure. The locking element integrates with the trigger housing and piston rod, combining multiple functions (trigger actuation, locking, and unlocking) into a unified mechanism that reduces the need for separate independent components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism employs dynamic elements including spring-loaded locking elements and movable blocking portions that automatically engage and disengage based on trigger actuation forces. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring complex manual intervention mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the trigger is made projecting for easy actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental pressing and fluid leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger accessibilityVSAvoidaccidental activation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means is positioned to preemptively block the transmission of actuation forces from the trigger to the piston before accidental pressing can occur. The blocking portion is strategically placed to intercept and neutralize unintended trigger movements, preventing harmful fluid leakage while preserving the projecting trigger design for easy intentional operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 device effectively prevents fluid leaks from areas other than the dispensing holes during transport and household use, ensuring secure closure and controlled dispensing, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

return means, arranged to influence said pumping means from the dispensing configuration, wherein said pumping chamber has a reduced volume, to the rest configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1923140B1Trigger sprayer provided with actuation locking means
Publication Date: 2009.10.14 GUALA DISPENSING SPA
  • EP1923140B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1923140B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1923140B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The object of the present invention is a fluid dispensing device (1), connectable/disconnectable to/from a container and a method of using the device. The device, actuable by a trigger (80), comprises both closing means comprising a turnable nozzle (50) and means for locking the sliding of a dispensing piston (14).