Capsule Internal Diaphragm Dimension Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-compartment capsules face challenges in achieving proper alignment and seal integrity during assembly, leading to instability and potential leakage or rupture, especially when exposed to temperature changes and internal pressure variations.
Innovation Solution
Optimized dimensions for the diaphragm relative to the body, including a length ratio of 2.0 to 2.9 and a sidewall contact length of 4.5 to 7 mm, ensure stable alignment and seal integrity, preventing rotation and pressure-induced ruptures, while maintaining sufficient volume for the lower compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the diaphragm length is increased to improve alignment and seal integrity, then the stability and seal quality improve, but the volume of the lower compartment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the diaphragm length parameter to a specific range (7-10 mm, preferably 8.5 mm) to achieve the best balance between seal integrity and lower compartment volume. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the precise value that satisfies both requirements simultaneously.
2Volume of stationary object
If the diaphragm length is decreased to increase lower compartment volume, then the volume increases, but the alignment stability and seal quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a minimum diaphragm length threshold (7-10 mm) below which alignment stability is compromised. By setting this parameter boundary, the invention prevents the contradiction from occurring in practice while maximizing the usable volume.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sidewall contact length is increased to improve alignment and prevent rotation, then the alignment stability improves, but the manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the sidewall contact length to a specific range (4.5-7.5 mm, preferably 6 mm) that provides sufficient alignment stability while remaining manufacturable. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the sweet spot where both stability and ease of manufacture are satisfied.
4Ease of manufacture
If the diaphragm length is decreased to simplify manufacturing, then the manufacturing ease improves, but the capsule becomes unstable and may rupture under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent sets a minimum diaphragm length threshold that ensures capsule integrity under pressure while not being excessively long. This parameter boundary resolves the contradiction by establishing the shortest acceptable length that still provides sufficient strength, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining integrity.
5Manufacturing precision
If tighter tolerances are applied to improve alignment precision, then the seal quality improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the diaphragm and body dimensions to provide inherent alignment stability through geometry alone, allowing for relatively loose tolerances. This design approach resolves the contradiction by making the system robust to dimensional variations, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adequate alignment precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A capsule (10) of, for instance, hard gelatin for holding a substance such as medicine, food supplements or similar materials includes a capsule body (44) having a closed and an opposed open end with a predetermined length defined between the ends. A diaphragm (50) having a closed end and an opposed open end and a predetermined length there between seals off the body (44) and provides a first compartment (48) to hold a first medicine, food supplement, etc. A cap (60) is applied to the body (44) as is conventional in capsules. The space between the inner portion of the cap (60) and the diaphragm (50) defines a second compartment (64) for holding a second medicine, food supplement, etc. The contents of each compartment (48,64) may be wet or dry (e.g., powder or liquid.) This two-compartment capsule has particular relationships between the length along an axis of the capsule of the diaphragm (50) to that of the body (44), and particular dimensional parameters relating to the sidewall contact seal between the outer portion of the diaphragm (50) and the inner wall of the body (44), to provide adequate capsule sealing and stability during and after manufacture.