Breakable Reservoir Capsule with Cutter for Secure Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security capsules with breakable reservoirs and cutters often fail to ensure correct usage, as users may remove the capsule or cutter without breaking the reservoir, leading to incomplete solution preparation and substance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a cylindrical reservoir with a separate cutter element, a cap made of elastically deformable plastic, and a security strip with an easy-break connection, preventing accidental opening or extraction of the cutter until the substance is mixed with the solvent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the capsule is removed from the container or the cutting element is removed from the reservoir, then the user can access the solvent or powder separately, but the substance degrades on contact with air and cannot be properly reinserted
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into three main segments: the cap, the reservoir containing the substance, and the closing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining the integrity of the substance until use. The reservoir is further segmented with a breakable bottom to separate the substance from the cutting element.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is nested within the cap, and the closing element is nested within the reservoir. This nested structure ensures that the substance remains protected within the reservoir until the moment of use, preventing premature exposure to air while allowing sequential access to components.
2Reliability
If the capsule design includes security features to prevent premature opening, then the substance is protected from degradation, but the capsule structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is pre-threaded onto the container and the closing element is pre-positioned within the reservoir before use. The security features are built into the structure from the beginning, such that the capsule is ready for use without requiring additional assembly steps, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The security features are merged with the functional components of the capsule. The threaded connection of the cap serves both as a closure mechanism and a security feature, while the breakable bottom of the reservoir combines the functions of containment and controlled release, eliminating the need for separate security devices.
3Ease of operation
If the capsule uses a breakable bottom reservoir with a cutter element, then the substance can be released into the solvent, but users may accidentally remove the capsule or cutter without breaking the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable bottom is designed to break only under specific force applied through the closing element, preventing accidental breaking during normal handling. The threaded connection and snug fit create preliminary resistance against unintended removal or activation, ensuring that the substance is released only when the user intentionally applies the correct force.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element acts as an intermediary between the user and the substance release mechanism. It mediates the force application to the breakable bottom, ensuring that the substance is released only when the user intentionally activates the mechanism through the proper closing action, rather than through accidental removal.
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
Ensures that the substance is only released into the solvent upon intentional use, preventing incomplete mixing and degradation, while allowing easy rotation for assembly and use, ensuring the capsule remains sealed until the substance is properly introduced.
Implementation Method 1
a cap (4) which closes the mouth (7) of the container, the cap being made of an elastically-deformable plastic material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A safety capsule (1) with a reservoir (2) is breakable by means of a cutter (3), and is usable for single-dose or multi-dose containers. The capsule comprises a cap (4) associated to a mouth (7) of the container, in which the reservoir (2) destined to contain the cutter (3) is afforded, and a closing cover (5), provided with a security strip (6); first connecting means (4a, 6a, 4e, 5d) prevent, with the security strip (6) unbroken, an axially-directed translation between the cover (5) and the cap (4); second connecting means (4b, 5b), when the capsule is unopened, render the cover (5) and the cap (4) solid in rotation in a screwing-on direction of the cap (4) on the mouth (2) and free in rotation in an unscrewing direction of the cap (4) on the mouth (2); third connecting means (4c, 5 c) render the cover (5) and the cap (4) solid in rotation when the cover is in the lower position (B) thereof.