Container Closure Coding to Prevent Incorrect Dispenser Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for flowable products, such as soaps and disinfectants, lack a mechanism to prevent the incorrect insertion of containers, leading to potential contamination and loss of product when trying to ensure only compatible containers are used.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating recesses and projections on the closure and deposit device of the container and dispenser, which engage to prevent incorrect insertion by requiring matching coding elements, ensuring the closure is retained in a parking position during insertion, and only allowing compatible containers to be fully inserted into the dispenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container region surrounding the opening is made compatible with the container mounting to enable container insertion, then the container can be fitted into the dispenser, but all containers with similar configurations can be used without preventing wrong content insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding specific coding elements (protrusions and recesses) to particular locations on the container closure and deposit device. These localized features create a selective compatibility system where only containers with matching coding patterns can be properly inserted, while maintaining the overall ease of insertion for correct containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry through the use of non-symmetric protrusion and recess configurations on the closure and deposit device. This asymmetric coding ensures that only containers with the specific asymmetric pattern can be inserted in the correct orientation and configuration, preventing incorrect container insertion while maintaining user-friendly operation for proper containers.
2Reliability
If coding elements are added to prevent incorrect container insertion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional protrusions and recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coding function with the existing closure and deposit device structures. The protrusions and recesses are integrated into the existing components rather than being separate elements, combining the sealing, retention, and coding functions into unified structures that reduce overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding elements serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical coding for container identification, maintain structural integrity of the closure and deposit device, and work together with the sliding guide elements for proper container positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate coding mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the closure is retained in a parking position during insertion, then control over insertion process is improved, but insertion time increases due to additional positioning step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing the parking position in advance during the insertion process. The closure is temporarily held in this intermediate position before final insertion, allowing the coding elements to engage first and verify compatibility before the container is fully inserted. This preliminary positioning step ensures controlled insertion while maintaining efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A container has an opening lying in a plane, wherein the opening is provided on a connecting piece of the container. A closure of the container can be removed by displacement in the plane. At least one guide element is provided on the connecting piece, on or in which the closure can be displaced relative to the container. The closure has at least one recess on at least one of its outer surfaces.