Vibrating Membrane Paint Dispenser Eliminates Propellant Hazards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressurized paint cans pose disposal challenges due to the risk of explosion when depressurized and the remaining paint can be hazardous, as they often contain propellants that complicate safe disposal.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing apparatus that includes a valve body with a piercing member to establish fluid communication with a pierceable membrane, allowing for the dispensing of paint without a propellant, using a liquid droplet production apparatus with a vibrating perforate membrane to expel paint droplets, which can be controlled for safe and efficient use and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressurized paint cans with propellants are used, then paint can be dispensed effectively, but disposal becomes hazardous due to explosion risk and remaining paint
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the propellant from the paint container system, using only paint without propellant. This eliminates the hazardous propellant that causes explosion risks during disposal while maintaining the ability to dispense paint through an external valve body and vibrating membrane mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the dispensing mechanism from the container by using an external valve body that attaches to the container opening. This allows the container to be simple and disposable while the sophisticated dispensing control resides in the external valve assembly, enabling complete emptying without residual pressure hazards
2Productivity
If laterally displaced nozzles are used in pressurized cans, then paint dispensing is achieved, but complete emptying is difficult and remaining paint creates hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a vibrating membrane instead of a static nozzle. The membrane oscillates at high frequency to atomize and expel paint droplets, enabling complete emptying of the container. The dynamic vibration mechanism ensures all paint is discharged without leaving residual amounts that would create disposal hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional laterally displaced nozzle mechanical system with an external valve body and vibrating membrane system. This substitution enables precise control of paint dispensing and complete emptying through controlled membrane vibration, eliminating the inability to fully empty containers associated with traditional nozzle designs
3Productivity
If propellants are used to expel paint, then dispensing is effective, but disposal complexity increases due to pressurization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the propellant entirely from the system, using paint alone without any pressurizing agent. This eliminates the need for depressurization procedures and complex safety protocols associated with pressurized containers, while paint dispensing is achieved through the external valve and vibrating membrane mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs simple, disposable paint containers without propellants or complex pressurization systems. The containers can be easily disposed of after use without requiring depressurization or special handling, as they contain only paint and no hazardous propellants or pressure mechanisms
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 solution enables safe depressurization and efficient use of paint, minimizing waste and hazards by allowing for the complete emptying of paint containers, making them easier to dispose of and recycle.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic spray device having a vibrating perforate membrane used to generate liquid droplets
Implementation Method 2
Gravity urges the paint toward the perforate membrane while the assembly of the paint container and the valve body is inverted
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing apparatus and liquid container with a fluid dispensing apparatus are provided. The fluid dispensing apparatus includes a valve body defining a bore that extends at least partially through a valve body, and an adaptor including a piercing member positioned to pierce a pierceable membrane enclosing the liquid container. The adaptor also includes a releasable fastener that cooperates with a portion of the liquid container to releasably couple the valve body to the liquid container. A liquid droplet production apparatus of the fluid dispensing apparatus controls a discharge of the liquid from the liquid container. The liquid droplet production apparatus includes a perforate membrane, and an actuator that is selectively operable to vibrate the perforate membrane and cause liquid droplets to be emitted from the perforate membrane and projected generally away from the liquid container.