Blister Pack Engagement Means for Sanitizing Product Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for applying sanitizing tablets or pellets to sanitary fixtures lack a mechanism to ensure the product remains attached during initial application and do not facilitate a pushing action to protrude the product from the blister pack without falling out, especially due to the presence of folding lines that hinder the initial thrust and lack a retaining mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A device with a blister pack featuring a central cavity, lateral protrusions for finger accommodation, and engagement means with a protective film and adhesive cover, allowing for a controlled initial pushing action via a central ridge and abutment protrusions to keep the product secure and facilitate adherence to the fixture without folding lines impeding the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If folding lines are provided in the blister pack to enable arm bending, then the device can be folded rearwardly for application, but the folding lines hinder the initial pushing action and lack a retaining mechanism to prevent the capsule from falling out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidproduct retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blister pack is divided into distinct functional zones: a base portion with cavity for product containment, and separate arm portions with folding lines for application. The engagement means are positioned at specific locations to provide retention during folding while allowing controlled product ejection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement means are pre-positioned to automatically engage with the capsule or tablet before folding begins. This preliminary engagement ensures the product is retained during the initial pushing action and subsequent folding, preventing accidental discharge while enabling controlled application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the device is designed to allow initial pushing action to protrude the tablet from the blister pack, then application is facilitated, but the tablet may fall out of the cavity before application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct ejectionVSAvoidproduct containment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the blister pack have different properties: the cavity region has engagement means for secure retention, while the arm regions have folding lines for controlled movement. The engagement means are specifically positioned to maintain product containment during the ejection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement means provide a preliminary retaining force that counteracts the pushing action. This anti-action prevents the tablet from falling out during the initial pushing phase, and only releases when the folding motion properly positions the product for ejection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If the device structure is made ergonomic to facilitate user gripping and application, then ease of use is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic shapeVSAvoidstructural elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement means are integrated directly into the blister pack structure rather than being separate components. The folding lines and arm structures are formed as part of the single blister pack body, reducing part count while maintaining ergonomic gripping surfaces and application functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3051033B1Device for applying a sanitizing product, particularly for sanitary fixtures and the like
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 BOLTON MANITOBA SPA
  • EP3051033B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3051033B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (1) for applying a sanitizing product, particularly for sanitary fixtures and the like, comprising a blister pack (20) which defines a cavity (2) adapted to accommodate a sanitizing product (3); the blister pack (20) comprises engagement means (4) adapted to allow the insertion of a user's fingers and to allow the bending of the blister pack (20) by abutting against abutment means (8), in order to expel the sanitizing product (3), the bending of the blister pack (20), before the engagement means (4) abut against the abutment means (8), making it possible to partially expose the sanitizing product from the cavity (2).