Bottle Capping Device with Frangible Waffle for In-Container Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle capping devices require a special pressure device or complex mechanisms to mix separate substances, which can be cumbersome and problematic for users, especially when handling sensitive or humidity-sensitive materials.
Innovation Solution
A tapping device with a hollow cylindrical portion and a concave upper portion housing a waffle package containing the first substance, where the concave portion is made of flexible material to break the waffle's dome and base, allowing the substance to mix with the second substance in the bottle, using a small cross-shaped punch to assist in fracturing the closure element, ensuring a simple and effective mixing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a special pressure device or complex mechanism is used to break the capsule and mix substances, then the mixing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule's own dome structure serves as the breaking mechanism. When the user presses the concave upper portion, the dome of the capsule breaks the frangible base from the inside, eliminating the need for separate breaking devices. The capsule serves itself by using its own structure to achieve the breaking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave upper portion serves multiple functions: it seals the bottle opening, provides the breaking force to the capsule, and facilitates mixing by inverting the capsule contents. This single component replaces what would traditionally require separate sealing, breaking, and mixing mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If a frangible base with dome structure is used in the capsule, then the breaking mechanism is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule base transitions from a rigid sealed structure to a frangible structure with controlled breakability. By changing the physical parameters of the base material and its bonding to the dome, the system achieves a state where controlled breaking occurs at specific force thresholds, balancing manufacturing simplicity with functional reliability.
3Productivity
If the capsule is inverted to mix substances, then the mixing efficiency is improved, but the reliability of maintaining separate substances during storage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule and capping device are designed to be dynamically invertible. The frangible base allows the capsule to flip inside out during inversion, enabling complete mixing. During storage, the capsule remains in its stable upright position with the frangible base sealed, maintaining substance separation. The system transitions between static (storage) and dynamic (mixing) states.
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 device allows for a straightforward and efficient mixing of substances without the need for additional pressure devices, facilitating the mixing of various substances like powders or liquids, while ensuring a secure seal and easy handling.
Implementation Method 1
a frangible base (41) which is connected to said dome (42) in a crushable way so as to break when pressure is applied to said dome
Implementation Method 2
The device further comprises an element for breaking such film of the chamber comprising a stem which, at the upper end thereof, is attached to the inside of the mentioned deformable portion of the cap and is able to move downwards after pressure has been applied on said deformable portion of the cap
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
Capping device (2) associated to a bottle (3) comprising a cylindrical portion (21) innerly hollow that is associated to the bottle mouth and a concave upper portion (22), so as to create inside the same a cavity to contain a first substance to be mixed with a second substance present within the bottle. The device comprises a waffle (4) containing said first substance, realized by a polycoupled material and inserted within said cavity; said concave portion is comprised of a flexible material so that when pressed squeezes the content cavity against the waffle, breaking the same and letting the first substance fall within the bottle.