Coupling Shell Dispensing Package to Reduce Membrane Seal Rupture

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing systems for floor treatment compositions face issues with leakage due to the connection between the container and the mop, and the membrane seal is prone to rupture during handling and storage, leading to waste and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing package comprising a coupling shell with support zones and a neck fitment, which securely engages with a container having a membrane seal, providing protection against accidental rupture and ensuring a stable connection to the mop, thus reducing leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the container is engaged with the mop using a canula penetrating the membrane seal, then liquid transport is enabled, but the membrane seal becomes vulnerable to unintentional rupture during handling and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmembrane seal rupture risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The canula is pre-positioned within the coupling shell during manufacturing, before the container is attached. This preliminary positioning ensures the canula is already in place to receive liquid, eliminating the need for the canula to penetrate the membrane seal during subsequent handling or assembly operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling shell serves as an intermediary component between the container and the mop. It houses the canula and provides a protective structure that allows liquid transport while shielding the membrane seal from external forces that could cause rupture during handling and storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the container neck is narrower than the body, then the container can be closed with a standard closure, but the container becomes unstable when displayed or stored in an inverted position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure compatibilityVSAvoidinverted position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling shell redirects the support function from the vertical dimension (neck supporting the elevated mass) to the horizontal dimension (top wall providing a broad footprint). By engaging the wide top wall with the mop or display surface, stability in the inverted position is achieved without requiring a wider neck

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the membrane seal is exposed to the environment after container closure, then the container can be easily assembled, but the membrane seal is prone to unintentional rupture during shipping and handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidmembrane seal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The canula is pre-positioned within the coupling shell during manufacturing, before the container is attached. This preliminary positioning ensures the canula is already in place to receive liquid, eliminating the need for the canula to penetrate the membrane seal during subsequent handling or assembly operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling shell serves as an intermediary component between the container and the mop. It houses the canula and provides a protective structure that allows liquid transport while shielding the membrane seal from external forces that could cause rupture during handling and storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12280923B2Dispensing package for a floor treatment composition

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A dispensing package for a floor treatment composition. The dispensing package includes a coupling shell and a container. The coupling shell is engaged with the container by a neck fitment projecting from the coupling shell. The coupling shell is provided with a dispensing opening and at least two support zones. The container includes a membrane seal engaged with a sealing surface of the container. The coupling shell can provide for a connection between a container and a dispensing system.