Container Coding System to Prevent Incorrect Dispenser Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for flowable products, such as soaps and disinfectants, lack effective mechanisms to prevent the incorrect insertion of containers, leading to potential mixing of different contents.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a container and dispensing system with a sliding closure and coding system using projections and sockets on the container and dispenser, ensuring correct alignment and preventing incorrect container insertion by limiting the depth of insertion and using coding elements to ensure only compatible containers are used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container mounting is made compatible with the container opening region to allow easy fitting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because containers with wrong contents can be used without notice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing coding elements with specific geometric configurations (projections and sockets) that are asymmetric in shape and orientation. The container mounting has projections with specific shapes while the container has corresponding sockets, creating an asymmetric coding system that only allows correct containers to be fitted, thus preventing incorrect container use while maintaining ease of operation for correct containers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing coding elements at specific localized regions of the container and container mounting. The projections and sockets are positioned at particular locations on the container opening region and corresponding mounting areas, creating localized coding features that enable both easy fitting of correct containers and prevention of incorrect container use without affecting the overall ease of operation
2Reliability
If coding elements are added to prevent incorrect container insertion, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coding function with the existing container and container mounting structures. The projections and sockets are integrated into the container opening region and container mounting components that already exist for holding the container, combining the coding prevention function with the structural support function, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coding elements (projections and sockets) serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical coding to prevent incorrect container insertion, guide correct container alignment during insertion, and maintain structural integrity of the container-mountain connection. This multi-functionality improves reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
3Ease of operation
If the container is fitted upside down to simplify changing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of substance worsens because content may flow out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a closure that is preliminarily positioned to seal the container opening before the container is fitted upside down into the mounting. The closure is designed to be disposed at the container opening in a preliminary sealing position, preventing product flow out during the upside-down fitting process and container changing operation
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a connection with an opening and a removable closure. At least one guide element, on or in which the closure is displaceable, is provided on the connection. At least one socket projecting forwardly in a sliding direction is formed on a side of the container having the connection. A dispensing system having the container is also provided.