Non-aerosol Liquid Spray Device with Vacuum Piston Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid spray devices rely on aerosol propellants, which are environmentally harmful, and are often difficult to operate, providing only intermittent sprays. There is a need for devices that offer continuous, easy-to-use, and cost-effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of non-aerosol liquid spray devices that utilize a piston and cylinder mechanism with a charger to create a vacuum, allowing for continuous liquid spray without propellants, and are designed to be easy to operate and manufacture, with features like a mechanical assist for easier charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If aerosol propellants are used to spray liquids, then continuous spray is achieved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes aerosol propellants from the spray system entirely, replacing them with a mechanical vacuum-based liquid delivery mechanism. This extraction of the harmful substance (propellant) while maintaining the useful function (continuous spray) directly resolves the environmental harm contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical/aerosol-based spray mechanism with a mechanical vacuum system. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure to draw liquid through the spray nozzle, substituting mechanical action for chemical propellants, thereby eliminating environmental harm while maintaining continuous spray capability.
2Device complexity
If trigger-type or finger-sprayers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges a vacuum reservoir before spraying, so that when the user activates the spray, the vacuum is already established and ready to immediately draw liquid through the nozzle. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time control mechanisms during operation, maintaining simplicity while improving ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system automatically draws liquid from the reservoir through the spray nozzle without requiring complex user manipulation. The pressure differential created by the vacuum self-regulates the liquid flow, making the device easier to operate while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple.
3Duration of action of moving object
If traditional continuous spray devices are developed, then continuous spray is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spray system into separate functional modules: a vacuum pump unit, a liquid reservoir, and a spray nozzle assembly. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual components using basic machining and assembly processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the continuous spray function through coordinated operation of the modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vacuum pressure (pneumatic principle) to drive liquid flow through the spray mechanism, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pumps, motors, or electronic controls that would increase manufacturing cost. The pneumatic pressure differential provides a simple, low-cost method to achieve continuous spray.
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
These devices provide a continuous, environmentally friendly liquid spray that is easy to operate and cost-effective to produce, offering improved user experience and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a piston and cylinder mechanism with a charger to create a vacuum
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Aerosol-free, manually-operated spray devices are disclosed. The spray devices are configured to deliver a continuous spray. According to an embodiment, a spray device includes piston chamber connected to a liquid reservoir and a vacuum chamber. A piston is slidably disposed within the piston chamber and is coupled to a vacuum plunger that is slidably disposed in the vacuum chamber. A charger is coupled to the piston and the vacuum plunger for actuating the piston and the vacuum plunger. Actuation of the charger moves the piston and the vacuum plunger with respect to the piston chamber and the vacuum chamber, respectively, thereby generating a vacuum in the piston chamber and the vacuum chamber, and drawing liquid from the liquid reservoir into the piston chamber. When actuation of the charger ceases, the piston and plunger remain locked in position, with the vacuum in the vacuum chamber acting on the piston to pressurize the liquid in the piston chamber. When a valve sealing a spray nozzle is opened, the vacuum in the vacuum chamber urges the plunger and the piston to move, thereby forcing the liquid in the piston chamber through the spray nozzle and generating a liquid spray from the device. According to another embodiment, a resilient member, such as a spring, is used in place of the vacuum chamber and vacuum plunger.