Cap Assembly Frangible Seal for Concentrated Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread practice of refilling spray bottles with concentrated cleaning fluids is hindered by safety concerns, storage challenges, and the risk of improper dilution, leading to ineffective cleaning and potential health hazards, with existing systems lacking convenience and reliability for both domestic and professional settings.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly for a refill capsule system that securely delivers a predetermined volume of concentrated cleaning fluid to a refillable vessel, featuring a frangible seal and design elements like upstream and downstream voids to prevent leakage and ensure safe, reliable discharge, with audible and tactile feedback upon seal breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If concentrated cleaning fluids are supplied in ready-to-use concentration, then user convenience is improved and safety is enhanced, but plastic waste increases and storage costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cleaning product supply into two separate components: a reusable spray bottle and a disposable concentrated refill capsule. This segmentation allows the durable container to be reused while only the concentrated product portion is discarded, reducing overall plastic waste compared to discarding entire ready-to-use bottles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the cleaning product by supplying it in concentrated form within the refill capsule. Users dilute the concentrate themselves, transforming it from concentrated to ready-to-use concentration, thereby extending the utility of each unit of plastic packaging.
2Loss of substance
If spray bottles are refilled with concentrated cleaning fluids, then plastic waste is reduced, but safety risks increase and improper dilution may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The refill capsule is pre-filled with the precise amount of concentrated cleaning product required, and the cap assembly is pre-configured with a frangible seal and metering mechanism. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the user simply attaches the capsule to the bottle, the correct volume is automatically delivered without requiring user calculation or measurement, eliminating improper dilution risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the dilution function automatically through the cap assembly's metering mechanism and frangible seal design. The concentrated product self-regulates its delivery volume as it breaks through the seal and fills the bottle, removing the need for user intervention in the dilution process and ensuring consistent, safe concentrations.
3Reliability
If a refill system with frangible seal is used, then delivery reliability is improved and waste is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible seal function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component within the cap assembly rather than being integrated into the capsule or bottle structure. This isolated frangible seal element can be designed and manufactured independently using simple techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable sealed delivery functionality.
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 cap assembly enables safe and convenient delivery of concentrated cleaning fluids, reducing waste and costs by allowing for controlled refilling, enhancing user safety through secure sealing and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a frangible seal (210) configured to be broken as the cap assembly is engaged with the neck of a refillable vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A cap assembly for a refill capsule and associated refill system is disclosed. The cap assembly (200) comprises an inner wall (202) defining a conduit (203) through the cap assembly (200) and an outer wall (204) surrounding the inner wall to form a circumferential void between the inner and outer walls (202, 204). A connecting wall joins the inner and outer walls (202, 204). The cap assembly (200) further comprises a closure member (208) which is sealed to the inner wall (202) with a peripheral frangible connection (210). The frangible connection (210) is disposed between radially offset portions of the inner wall (202).