Container Seal Integrating Vent Opening for Tool-Free Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container designs for dispensing liquids face challenges such as increased manufacturing complexity, leakage risks, and user inconvenience due to the need for additional tools or second openings for venting, which complicates pressure equalization during dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A single-neck container design featuring a seal with an adhesive that covers a vent opening, allowing for self-contained venting by simply removing the seal, eliminating the need for additional tools and reducing the risk of leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a second opening or additional venting mechanism is added to the container, then venting functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the venting function with the existing neck structure by integrating a vent opening into the neck or closure assembly. This allows the container to vent without requiring a separate second opening, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while achieving the desired venting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck or closure assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the dispensing closure and the venting mechanism. The vent opening is incorporated into this existing component, allowing it to perform both sealing/dispensing and pressure equalization functions, thus avoiding additional structural elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional tools or mechanisms are provided for venting, then venting capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to vent automatically through the integrated vent opening in the neck or closure assembly without requiring any external tools or additional user actions. The pressure equalization occurs naturally during the normal dispensing operation, making the system self-sufficient and user-friendly.
3Productivity
If multiple openings are created in the container body, then venting efficiency is improved, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating the venting function into the existing neck or closure assembly rather than creating separate openings in the container body, the patent reduces the total number of openings required. This integration approach maintains effective pressure equalization while minimizing potential leakage points, as the vent opening is part of the sealed closure system.
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 solution enables convenient, tool-free venting of the container, reducing manufacturing complexity and leakage risks while maintaining aesthetic appeal by integrating venting functionality within the existing neck structure.
Implementation Method 1
the seal includes an adhesive to removably couple the seal to the body of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A container for dispensing a liquid can include a body and a seal. The body can include a plurality of walls that define an interior storage volume, an outlet through a first wall of the body for dispensing the liquid, and a vent opening. The seal can cover the vent opening. The seal can include an adhesive to removably couple the seal to the body of the container. The vent opening can include a plurality of openings, and the seal can cover all of the openings.