A packaging assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Viscous liquid detergents pose challenges in packaging due to slow flow rates and turbulence, and existing solutions with slotted spouts often result in inadequate ventilation and discontinuous flow.

Innovation Solution

A packaging assembly featuring a spout with a circumferentially integral opening and a vent positioned adjacent to the base end, which reduces turbulence by separating the liquid and air flow routes, allowing for controlled dispensing and efficient ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a slotted spout is used to increase flow rate, then the flow rate improves, but turbulence increases and ventilation becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rateVSAvoidturbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spout opening is divided into multiple separate openings (first opening and second opening) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the liquid to flow through multiple paths simultaneously, increasing the overall flow rate while each individual opening maintains laminar flow characteristics, thereby reducing turbulence compared to a single large slotted opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention positions the openings in different spatial dimensions around the spout circumference rather than using a single linear slot. The first opening is positioned at a first location and the second opening at a second location, creating a multi-dimensional flow distribution that increases flow rate while maintaining flow stability and reducing turbulent mixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a slotted spout is used to increase flow rate, then the flow rate improves, but ventilation becomes insufficient causing discontinuous flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rateVSAvoidcontinuous flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spout opening is divided into multiple separate openings (first opening and second opening) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the liquid to flow through multiple paths simultaneously, increasing the overall flow rate while each individual opening maintains laminar flow characteristics, thereby reducing turbulence compared to a single large slotted opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention positions the openings in different spatial dimensions around the spout circumference rather than using a single linear slot. The first opening is positioned at a first location and the second opening at a second location, creating a multi-dimensional flow distribution that increases flow rate while maintaining flow stability and reducing turbulent mixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the vent is positioned close to the spout opening, then ventilation is improved, but liquid detergent flows out of the vent

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveventilationVSAvoidliquid detergent loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The vent is given a specific geometric configuration with a vent opening that has dimensions and orientation optimized for its location. The vent opening is positioned adjacent to the spout opening but with a specific shape and size that allows air to pass through while the surface tension and viscosity of the liquid detergent prevent it from flowing into the vent, creating a selective permeability based on local geometric properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The vent is pre-configured with specific dimensional parameters and positioning relative to the spout opening before use. The vent opening is designed with a specific cross-sectional area and orientation that anticipates the liquid flow patterns, creating a geometric barrier that prevents liquid intrusion while ensuring adequate air intake for continuous dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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 packaging assembly ensures a steady, continuous flow of liquid detergent with reduced turbulence and efficient ventilation, preventing residue accumulation and facilitating precise dosing.

Implementation Method 1

The packaging assembly ensures a steady, continuous flow of liquid detergent with reduced turbulence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

insufficient ventilation, i.e., not sufficient air could ventilate into the container at the same time when the liquid detergent is dispensed out of the container. Therefore, the flow may undesirably stop or at least have discontinuous flow during dispensing due to the significantly decreased air pressure in the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3131827B1A packaging assembly

Publication Date: 2022.03.16 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3

AI summary

A packaging assembly (10) comprising a container (100) and a transition piece (200), which comprises a spout (201) with a circumferentially integral opening (204) and a vent (209) located adjacent to the base end (202) of the spout (201). The spout (201) and the vent (209) have a particular ratio in terms of cross-sectional area. The packaging assembly (10) provides a controlled dispensing of a liquid detergent composition, particularly viscous liquid detergent compositions.