Bottle Closure Device with Integrated Mixing Capsule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for bottles require complex designs and user-operated pressure mechanisms to mix separate substances, which can be cumbersome and prone to operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a hollow cylindrical portion and a concave upper cap that houses a first substance, sealed with a polylaminate film, featuring a flexible material that crushes to break the seal and allow mixing with a second substance in the bottle, facilitated by a cross-shaped punch and annular gasket for efficient substance integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate capsule and pressure device (piston/stem) are used to break the seal, then the substance can be released, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breaking element is integrated directly into the closure device structure, merging the sealing function and breaking function into a single unified component. The breaking element comprises a stem portion attached to the inner surface of the closure device and a breaking portion that directly contacts the seal, eliminating the need for separate capsule and pressure device components.
Solution Approach 2:
The breaking function is extracted as a distinct breaking element with specific structural features (stem portion and breaking portion), separating it from the general closure device structure while maintaining integration. This allows the breaking element to be designed independently for optimal performance while reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a manual pressure mechanism is used to compress and break the capsule, then the substance can be released, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The breaking element is designed to automatically break the seal when the closure device is opened or when specific structural features interact during normal operation. The stem portion and breaking portion are positioned such that natural movement of the closure device or interaction with the vial opening mechanism automatically triggers the breaking action without requiring separate manual compression steps.
3Reliability
If a complex pressure device is used to perforate the capsule, then the substance can be released, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The breaking element concentrates the breaking function at a specific local region (the breaking portion) that directly contacts the seal. The stem portion provides structural support and positioning, while the breaking portion is designed with specific geometric features optimized for seal penetration. This localized design reduces the need for high precision across the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The breaking element is segmented into distinct functional portions: the stem portion for attachment and positioning, and the breaking portion for actual seal contact and penetration. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining effective seal breaking.
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 simplifies the mixing process by integrating the breaking mechanism within the device, reducing user effort and design complexity while ensuring effective mixing of substances.
Implementation Method 1
a closure element inferiorly closing said cavity and breaking said closure element is possible by the user acting directly on said closure element
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
Closure device (2) associated with a bottle (3) comprising an internally hollow cylindrical portion (21) associated with the bottle mouth, a concave upper portion (22), so as to form a cavity inside the device to contain a first substance to be mixed with a second substance present in the bottle, a closure element (4) inferiorly closing the cavity, to keep the first substance in the cavity protected against external agents. Such concave portion is comprised of a flexible material which, when pressed, crushes the contents of the cavity against the lower closure element, breaking the same and letting the first substance drop inside the bottle.