Multi-Accessory Container Coupling With Ramped Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices require significant force to mount and remove accessories, such as caps or dispensing mechanisms, from containers like bottles, leading to difficulties in accessing and refilling them.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a neck portion with engagement members, including ramps with angled surfaces, that guide accessories onto and off the container by rotating in opposite directions, reducing the need for vertical force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional container with a removable accessory is used, then the accessory can be detached from the container, but significant force is required to remove the accessory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessory removalVSAvoidforce required for accessory removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of designing a conventional threaded or snap-fit connection that requires force to remove, the patent inverts the approach by using a collar with engagement members that actively guide the accessory onto the container and assist its removal. The engagement members include ramps that slope in the direction of removal, converting a high-force removal problem into a low-force guided detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar with engagement members acts as an intermediary mechanism between the container and the accessory. This intermediary structure includes ramps and engagement features that mediate the mounting and removal process, reducing the force required by providing a mechanical advantage through the ramp geometry and engagement member design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional container with removable accessory is used, then the accessory can be mounted on the container, but significant force is required to mount the accessory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessory mountingVSAvoidforce required for accessory mounting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by using engagement members with ramps that slope in the direction of removal rather than requiring forceful insertion. The engagement members are designed to guide the accessory onto the container smoothly, reducing the mounting force required while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar with engagement members serves as an intermediary that facilitates easy mounting. The ramps and engagement features on the collar mediate the mounting process by providing a gradual, guided entry for the accessory, eliminating the need for significant force to push the accessory onto the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the accessory is designed to be easily removed, then the force required for removal is reduced, but the security of attachment during use may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessory removalVSAvoidsecurity of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into multiple engagement members distributed around the collar, including ramps and engagement features. This segmentation allows the accessory to be securely held by multiple contact points during use while still enabling easy removal through the coordinated action of the ramp structures that guide detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the security-ease contradiction by inverting the conventional wisdom that easy removal requires weak attachment. Instead, it designs a system where strong attachment and easy removal coexist through the engagement members with ramps that are optimized to guide both secure mounting and smooth removal in opposite directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Facilitates easy mounting and removal of accessories with reduced force, ensuring secure attachment during use and preventing separation during transportation.

Implementation Method 1

the coupling structure slides along the first engagement member when the accessory rotates in the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250296103A1Apparatus for use with multiple coupleable accessories

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 THE CLOROX CO

AI summary

An apparatus including a body, such as a bottle, that has an inner chamber or receptacle. The apparatus includes an accessory that is removably coupleable to the body. In one embodiment, the accessory can be a cap. In another embodiment, the accessory can be a dispensing mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the accessory can be a refill cartridge.