Dispensing Container Sealing via Locking Ring and Ribbed Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thin-walled or weak material dispensing containers often collapse, trapping material away from the dispensing end and failing to securely retain a plug for closure, leading to leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A deformable peripheral wall dispensing tube with a stiffener and a deformation-resistant plug having raised ribs for an interference fit, combined with a locking ring that creates a sealing contact with the peripheral wall to prevent leakage, and a radially extending collar for upright positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thin-walled or weak material is used for the dispensing container, then the container is more easily deformable for dispensing, but the container collapses and traps material away from the dispensing end
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two functional parts: a thin-walled deformable body for dispensing and a separate stiffening structure (locking ring with radial elements) that prevents collapse. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines thin-walled material (for deformability) with a stiffening structure made of different material properties (for structural support). This composite approach creates a system that exhibits both ease of deformation and structural stability simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a plug is inserted into the open end for closure, then the container can be sealed, but the plug is not securely retained and leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring utilizes the flexibility of the peripheral wall to create a mechanical interlock. The radial elements deform the wall inward to engage with the plug, creating friction-based retention without requiring complex threading or locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring structure automatically secures the plug through its geometric design. When the ring is positioned on the container, its radial elements automatically engage with the plug and deform the wall to create retention, requiring no additional assembly steps or complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the peripheral wall material is made stiff to retain a plug, then the plug is securely retained, but the wall resists distortion making dispensing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented from the dispensing function. The locking ring provides plug retention while the thin-walled body maintains deformability for dispensing. Each function is handled by a different structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall material has different effective properties at different locations and times: at the open end, the wall is locally deformed by the locking ring's radial elements to create retention, while the rest of the wall remains thin and deformable for dispensing operations.
4Ease of operation
If thin-walled containers are used, then the container is easier to deform for dispensing, but the container collapses intermediate the ends trapping material
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring acts as an intermediary structural element that provides internal support to the thin-walled container. It prevents collapse of the intermediate sections while allowing the ends to deform for dispensing, mediating between the conflicting requirements of deformability and structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A squeezable hollow thin walled dispensing container (10) having an open ended main body (11) is provided with a closure plug (26) insertable into the open end (15), the plug having outwardly projecting ribs (28) engaging the inside of the peripheral wall (12) of the body, a locking member (30) being received on the exterior of the body (11) around the plug, the plug (26) and locking member (30) entrapping portions of the wall (12) therebetween to sealingly close the open end.