Closure Assembly with Sliding Port for Controlled Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a closure assembly that allows safe and controlled dispensing of products from containers, particularly in the agrochemical field, where precise measurement of dispensed amounts is required to ensure accurate application.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly comprising a closure body with a bore for dispensing products, a slideable closure member with a port that aligns with the bore for controlled dispensing, and a retaining mechanism to prevent accidental opening, designed to work with various container types and materials, including a measuring vessel for precise measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a closure assembly allows free opening for dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but product safety and control are worsened due to risk of spills and exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is pre-configured with a port that can align with the bore, and the retaining member is pre-positioned to lock the closure member in place. The system prepares the dispensing path in advance but requires deliberate action (rotating the closure member) to activate it, preventing accidental spills while maintaining ease of operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member acts as an intermediary between the bore and the external environment. Its port can selectively align with or block the bore, providing controlled mediation of product flow. The retaining member further mediates by locking the closure member in the closed position until deliberately released.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a closure assembly prevents accidental opening, then product safety is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it can rotate between a closed position (where the port is misaligned with the bore) and an open position (where the port aligns with the bore). The retaining member dynamically locks the closure member in the closed position and can be deliberately released by rotating the closure member, providing safety without excessive complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a closure assembly provides precise control over dispensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the bore providing the dispensing pathway, the closure member with a port that can selectively align with the bore, and the retaining member that locks the closure member in place. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, achieving precise dispensing control without excessive overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A closure assembly (2) for a container (4) is provided, the closure assembly (2) comprising: a closure body (10) for securing to the container (4) to extend across and seal an opening (6a) in the container (4); the closure body (10) comprising a bore (16) therein, the bore (16) communicating with the opening (6a) in the container (4) and providing a conduit between the interior of the container (4) and the exterior of the container (4) through which product within the container (4) may be dispensed; a closure member (50) having a port (60) therein, the closure member (50) slideably mounted to the closure body (10) and slideable between a closed position in which the port (60) is out of alignment with the bore (16) in the closure body (10) and the closure member(50) acts to close the bore (16) in the closure member (50) and an open position in which the port (60) is aligned with the bore (16) in the closure body (10). A measuring vessel (102) for use in conjunction with the closure assembly (2) is also provided, the measuring vessel (102) comprising a side wall (106), an opening (110) defined by the side wall (106) and a base (108), the vessel (102) comprising a member (120) extending inwards from the base (108), such that the member (120) reduces the volume of the interior portion of the vessel (102) in the region of the base (108).