Container unit comprising two containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current feeding bottles and containers have limited mixing space, requiring excessive force for mixing formulations, which can damage delicate ingredients and lead to bubble formation, and are not adaptable to containers with different opening sizes.

Innovation Solution

A container system comprising a dispensing unit and a main container unit that can be assembled to form an extended single compartment, allowing for gentle mixing and accommodating various container sizes through a universal coupling mechanism with a flexible seal, enabling engagement with containers of different openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the mixing space in a single container is limited, then the container structure remains simple and compact, but excessive force must be applied for mixing which can damage delicate ingredients and generate unwanted bubbles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing spaceVSAvoiddamage to delicate ingredients and bubble formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing system is divided into two separate containers (first container for powder formulation, second container for liquid) that can be coupled together. This segmentation allows each container to have optimized volume for its specific function while providing sufficient total mixing space when combined, eliminating the need for excessive mixing force that would damage delicate ingredients or create bubbles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a universal coupling mechanism with flexible seal is added to accommodate containers with different opening sizes, then adaptability to various container sizes is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different opening sizesVSAvoidcoupling mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible seal element (such as a membrane or diaphragm) is incorporated into the coupling mechanism. This flexible component can deform to accommodate different opening sizes and shapes of containers, providing universal adaptability without requiring multiple rigid seal configurations. The flexibility allows a single coupling design to work with various container types while maintaining sealing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is designed with a universal interface that can connect to containers of different sizes and opening configurations. By incorporating adjustable or flexible elements, the same coupling mechanism serves multiple functions across different container types, reducing the need for multiple specialized coupling designs and thereby managing complexity while maximizing versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11141022B2Container unit comprising two containers

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 SHARON IGAL

AI summary

The present invention provides a container system that allows a user to store ingredients of a formulation in separate individual containers that can be assembled easily into an extended single compartment container, thereby enabling to mix the ingredients, in a gentle shaking or swirling manner, to form the formulation prior to use.