Trigger Sprayer Single Valve Member Reduces Part Count

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trigger sprayers have a high number of component parts, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A trigger sprayer design that incorporates a single valve member with both inlet and outlet valve elements, eliminating the metal coil spring and separate liquid spinner, resulting in an eight-piece construction with simplified assembly and reduced costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional trigger sprayers use separate inlet and outlet valves with metal coil springs and liquid spinners, then the device achieves reliable liquid flow control, but the number of component parts increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid flow controlVSAvoidnumber of component parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate inlet and outlet valves into a single integrated valve member. The valve member includes an inlet valve element and an outlet valve element positioned inside the pump chamber, eliminating the need for separate valve assemblies. This merging reduces the number of component parts while maintaining reliable liquid flow control through both inlet and outlet passages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single valve member performs multiple functions that were previously handled by separate components. It simultaneously controls both inlet and outlet liquid flow, replaces the function of metal coil springs through its resilient plastic construction, and eliminates the need for a separate liquid spinner. This multi-functionality reduces part count while maintaining device reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional trigger sprayers use multiple separate component parts, then the device achieves reliable liquid flow control, but the assembly process becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid flow controlVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging separate inlet and outlet valves into a single integrated valve member, the patent simplifies the assembly process. Instead of assembling multiple separate valve components, the single valve member can be installed as one unit, reducing assembly steps and complexity while maintaining reliable liquid flow control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive metal coil springs with a resilient plastic valve member that is more cost-effective to manufacture. The plastic construction allows for simpler manufacturing processes and lower material costs while maintaining the necessary elastic properties for valve operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If conventional trigger sprayers use metal coil springs and separate liquid spinners, then the device achieves proper liquid discharge control, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid discharge controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive metal coil springs with a resilient plastic valve member that achieves the same liquid discharge control function at lower cost. The plastic material provides the necessary elasticity and durability without the high material and manufacturing costs associated with metal springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from metal to resilient plastic, which alters the physical properties such as elasticity, density, and manufacturing cost. This parameter change allows the valve member to maintain proper liquid discharge control while being more cost-effective to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design reduces the number of component parts and simplifies assembly, thereby lowering manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The base and the two valve elements of the valve member are constructed of one piece of resilient, flexible plastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

When the piston is moved out of the pump chamber to the charge position by the spring pushing against the piston, a vacuum is created in the pump chamber that draws liquid through the dip tube and through the liquid supply passage into the pump chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

A metal coil spring is typically inserted inside the pump chamber and engages with the pump piston... When the piston is moved out of the pump chamber to the charge position by the spring pushing against the piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8104646B2Trigger sprayer having a reduced number of parts and a double tubular valve member

Publication Date: 2012.01.31 SILGAN DISPENSING SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

A trigger sprayer has a one piece valve member that includes both an inlet valve element and an outlet valve element. The one piece valve member replaces the separate liquid inlet valve and liquid outlet valve of a conventional trigger sprayer, and thereby provides a more simplified construction for the trigger sprayer and a fewer number of component parts in the trigger sprayer.