Unitary Squeezable Dispensing Container with Nipple Stop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing containers for infants are often complex, require multiple parts, and can lead to inaccuracies and waste due to the need for filling and measuring liquids, while also posing a choking hazard due to the risk of over-insertion into the mouth.

Innovation Solution

A unitary, squeezable dispensing container with an integral nipple dispensing head and a stop to prevent over-insertion, which is filled and sealed before use, eliminating the need for separate parts and manual measurement, and featuring a breakable seal for easy liquid release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-part dispensing device with separate reservoir and tip is used, then the device can be refilled and reused, but the device complexity increases and requires manual filling and measuring which reduces accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefillability and reusabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reservoir, dispensing tip, and sealing mechanism into a single integrated unitary structure. This eliminates the need for separate parts that need to be assembled and disassembled, while maintaining the ability to dispense liquid accurately. The unitary design prevents leakage and simplifies the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-part dispensing device with separate reservoir and tip is used, then the device can be refilled and reused, but manual filling and measuring is required which reduces dosing accuracy and increases waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefillability and reusabilityVSAvoiddosing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid is pre-filled into the reservoir during manufacturing before the device is sealed and distributed. This preliminary action ensures accurate dosing is built into the device itself, eliminating the need for users to perform manual filling and measuring operations that would compromise precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a long dispensing tip is used to deliver liquid to the infant, then the liquid can be delivered deep into the mouth, but the risk of over-insertion and choking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid delivery effectivenessVSAvoidchoking hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a stop feature within the dispensing tip structure that prevents the tip from being inserted too deeply into the infant's mouth. This beforehand cushioning mechanism physically limits the insertion depth, protecting against choking hazards while still allowing effective liquid delivery to the appropriate location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Device complexity

If a unitary single-use container is used, then the device can be made simply and inexpensively with accurate pre-filled dosing, but the device cannot be refilled or reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidreusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable unitary container design that is inexpensive to manufacture and use. The device is intended for single use only, after which it is discarded. This approach eliminates the complexity of making the device reusable while ensuring accurate pre-filled dosing and maintaining structural simplicity throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

5Ease of operation

If the dispensing container is opened before use, then the liquid can be accessed, but the integrity of the contents is compromised during packaging, transporting, selling and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid accessibilityVSAvoidcontent integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container is sealed in a sterile, controlled environment during manufacturing, preserving the integrity of the liquid contents throughout packaging, transporting, selling and storage. The seal is broken only at the moment of use by the consumer, ensuring the liquid remains protected from contamination until it is time for administration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7832601B2Dispensing container with nipple dispensing head

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 HOLOPACK INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

A dispensing container fillable with a liquid includes a squeezable reservoir for holding the liquid prior to dispensing; a nipple dispensing head which is integral with the squeezable reservoir and having a distal end and a proximal end; an outlet at the distal end of the nipple dispensing head for dispensing the liquid from the container; a passage interconnecting the squeezable reservoir and the outlet; and a stop disposed near the proximal end of the nipple dispensing head to prevent over-insertion of the dispensing head into a user's mouth when the container is used to dispense the liquid to the user. Containers that are filled with liquid and a method of making the containers are also described.