Dispensing Container with Segmented Compartments and Frangible Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container assemblies for dispensing combination products are limited by identical material construction and similar geometries, which are inadequate for mixing and dispensing of materials with different properties and varying quantities, requiring chambers with distinct geometries and compatible materials.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with first and second compartments, where the first compartment has a base web with a formed portion and a lidding material seal, and the second compartment has barriers with an aperture for the base web, allowing a frangible seal to be broken for mixing and dispensing, using laminates of compatible polymers such as PET, PP, HDPE, and PVC for the compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If identical material construction and similar geometries are used for chambers, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different materials and quantities is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple independently designed compartments (first compartment with base web and lidding material, second compartment with barriers) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together, allowing each compartment to be optimized for its specific material and quantity requirements while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Each compartment is designed with specific local characteristics - the first compartment has a base web with formed portion for one material, while the second compartment has barriers with aperture for another material, allowing different geometries and material constructions tailored to the specific requirements of each material type and quantity
2Adaptability or versatility
If chambers are designed with different geometries for different materials, then adaptability to material properties is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into distinct compartments with different geometries (first compartment with base web and lidding material, second compartment with barriers) that can be manufactured separately using optimized processes for each material type, then assembled together, thereby achieving material-specific optimization without requiring complete redesign of the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The container assembly serves multiple functions by accommodating different materials with different properties in separate compartments, allowing the same overall device structure to handle various material types (liquids, gases, powders) while maintaining a relatively simple unified design
3Ease of operation
If frangible seal is included for material transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of seal is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible seal is pre-positioned between the base web and lidding material in a weakened state, designed to break at a specific moment when compression is applied, allowing easy material transfer operation while maintaining seal integrity during storage and transport phases
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
Enables the mixing and dispensing of materials with different properties and quantities by providing compartments with different geometries and compatible materials, ensuring hermetic seals and efficient transfer of materials upon compression.
Implementation Method 1
a frangible seal positioned between the base web and the lidding material. When the frangible seal is broken, a passageway is provided for transferring material from the first compartment to the second compartment
Implementation Method 2
each of the base web, the lidding material and/or the first and second barriers is preferably formed as a laminate comprising one or more materials... materials at laminate surfaces that are sealably joined are preferably selected to comprise compatible polymers
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly comprising first and second compartments. The first compartment includes a base web having a formed portion and a flat portion, a lidding material joined to the flat portion and a frangible seal positioned between the base web and the lidding material. The second compartment includes first and second barriers that are sealed to one another at peripheral edges. The first barrier has an aperture through which the formed portion of the base web extends. An upper surface of the flat portion of the base web is joined to an interior surface of the first barrier, thereby encapsulating the frangible seal within the second compartment. When the frangible seal is broken, a passageway is provided for transferring material from the first compartment into the second compartment for mixing with a second material. The second compartment may then be opened to dispense the mixture.