Container-Dispenser Coupling With Fluid-Tight Sealing for Cleaner Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refillable container systems face issues with material waste and soiling during refilling due to the need for cleaning the dispensing device and riser tube, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system with a main body on the container and a connection element on the dispensing device, featuring complementary engagement means for a fluid-tight connection, which includes a sealing element to prevent soiling and reduce material use, using flexible or dimensionally stable containers with integrated riser tubes that do not require cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a refillable container system with a dispensing device and riser tube is used, then the container can be reused and refilled, but the dispensing device and riser tube require cleaning to remove product residues, which increases complexity and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the traditional dispensing device assembly by providing a separate sealing element on the container's main body. This allows the container to be sealed independently without requiring cleaning of the dispensing device or riser tube, as the sealing element creates a fluid-tight connection that prevents product residue accumulation in the connection area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the container with main body and sealing element, the connection element, and the dispensing device. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be isolated on the container side, eliminating the need to clean the dispensing device and riser tube for product changes.
2Loss of substance
If traditional refill packs made of thin film are used, then material usage is reduced, but the refilling process risks soiling the container and user due to product contact
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary between the container's main body and the connection element, creating a fluid-tight barrier that prevents product from escaping during the refilling process. This intermediary sealing mechanism eliminates the risk of soiling the container and user while maintaining the benefits of using lightweight refill packs.
3Reliability
If the sealing element is placed on the main body, then a new sealing element is used each time the container is replaced ensuring repeated sealing, but this increases material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed as a disposable component that is discarded with the container after use. This approach ensures reliable sealing during each refilling cycle while the material cost is minimized because the sealing element is integrated into the disposable container rather than being a separate reusable component.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a fluid-tight connection is created between main body and connection element, then product can be dispensed without getting on the user, but this requires precise engagement means which increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed with specific geometric parameters (conical shape, diameter, angle) that enable it to create a fluid-tight connection through simple engagement between the main body and connection element. These parameter choices balance the need for reliable sealing with ease of manufacture, avoiding complex engagement mechanisms.
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
The system reduces material waste and minimizes soiling by ensuring a secure, fluid-tight connection that allows easy refilling without user contact with residues, saving resources and effort.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing element is preferably situated in such a way that it makes sealing contact with the connection element and the main body
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (100) for connecting a container (20) to a dispensing device (30). The invention also relates to a container (20) and to a receiving device (50). The system comprises a main body (21) situated on the container (20), and a connection element (31) situated on the dispensing device (30). The connection element (31) is in operative connection with, or can be brought into operative connection with, the main body (21). Mutually complementary engagement means (22, 32) are situated on the main body (21) and on the connection element (31) such that a fluid-tight connection is produced between the main body (21) and the connection element (31) when the engagement means (22, 32) mutually engage.