Closing Assembly with Interchangeable Cartridge for Controlled Additive Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispenser devices for containers lack flexibility in releasing different volumes of active formulas and do not allow for controlled release of additives in various forms, leading to incomplete mixing and potential contamination from seal fragments.

Innovation Solution

A closing device with an interchangeable hermetic cartridge and a central push-cut carriage that mechanically cuts seals to release active formulas into containers, enabling flexible volume dispensing and controlled release of substances in solid, liquid, or powder forms without requiring removal of the device for consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a non-exchangeable closed compartment is used to store additives, then the device structure is simpler, but the device cannot dispense different volumes of different active formulas and cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to dispense different volumes of different active formulasVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two main segments: a reusable central body and exchangeable cartridges. The central body contains the dispensing mechanism, while the cartridges contain different active formulas. This segmentation allows the central body to be reused while enabling versatility through cartridge exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different cartridges. Each cartridge is designed to fit into the same central body, allowing one central body to perform multiple functions by simply exchanging cartridges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If pressure is applied to break the lower seal, then the additive is released, but seal fragments may fall inside the bottle causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadditive release speedVSAvoidseal fragment contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cutting carriage is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the seal. Instead of directly pressing the seal to break it, the cutting carriage mechanically cuts the seal in a controlled manner, preventing seal fragments from falling into the bottle while still achieving rapid seal failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the entire closing piece is removed to consume contents, then complete access is achieved, but the device cannot be reused and requires disposal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to contentsVSAvoiddevice reusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device is segmented into a reusable central body and a disposable cartridge. The cartridge can be removed and replaced, while the central body remains on the bottle and can be reused. This allows the contents to be accessed by removing only the cartridge, not the entire closing piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is designed to be discarded after use, while the central body is recovered and reused. This selective discarding approach maintains ease of operation for accessing contents while preserving device reusability through the permanent central body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Ease of operation

If the active principle is stored in the same container as the liquid, then mixing is simplified, but the active principle degrades due to exposure to moisture, oxygen and light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing simplicityVSAvoidactive principle stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the active principle from the liquid by storing it in a distinct cartridge. The cartridge acts as a separate hermetic container that can be exchanged, allowing the active principle to remain protected until needed while simplifying the mixing process through cartridge replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The active principle is pre-loaded into the cartridge in a hermetically sealed state during manufacturing. This preliminary action protects the active principle from degradation factors (moisture, oxygen, light) during storage and transport, and maintains mixing simplicity by having the active principle ready-to-dispense in the cartridge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3241778B1Closing assembly for a container, such as a bottle, removable cartridge and method of production
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 CANZIANI HOFFA MAURO ANDRÈS
  • EP3241778B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3241778B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3241778B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Closing assembly for containers of bottle and/or jar type that enables to dispense a hermetically isolated additive into said container through a cartridge, characterized in that the assembly comprises a base body (3) with connecting means that allow the detachable coupling with a removable cartridge (4) where the additive that is going to be released is stored, wherein said removable cartridge (4) houses inside a push-cut projectile (5) actuated by the direct contact of an actuator (2) connected to said base body (3).