Dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensing systems for substances like powders and liquids are not easily adaptable to different container sizes, prone to inadvertent activation during shipping, and lack universal compatibility, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in transportation and handling.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system with a flexible lid and a post that breaches a frangible bottom end to create a dispensing orifice, featuring bottle stop projections for stability and vent channels to prevent vapor lock, allowing for easy actuation and use with various container sizes without additional packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional closure system is used, then the container can be sealed, but it cannot be easily opened by users and combined with different sized containers
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different container sizes and opening types. The system includes an adapter mechanism that can be configured to match various container neck sizes, allowing a single dispensing device to work with multiple container types without requiring different specialized closures for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system incorporates a flexible or adjustable component that can dynamically adapt to different container openings. The adapter mechanism can be adjusted or reconfigured to match the specific dimensions of the container being used, providing both ease of opening and versatility across different container sizes.
2Loss of energy
If the dispensing system is made accessible without additional packaging, then shipping costs are reduced, but the system becomes prone to inadvertent activation during shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a protective cap or cover that is pre-installed on the dispensing opening. This protective element prevents inadvertent activation during shipping while still allowing the product to be shipped without additional outer packaging. The protective cap can be easily removed by the user when ready to use the product.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary protective element is introduced between the dispensing mechanism and the external environment. This intermediary component (protective cap or seal) prevents accidental activation during shipping while maintaining the ability to ship the product without bulky additional packaging, thus reducing shipping costs while ensuring reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the actuation feature is exposed for easy access, then user operation is simplified, but inadvertent actuation during shipping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation feature is nested within a protective cap or recessed structure. The actuation button or mechanism is housed inside the protective cap, which prevents accidental activation during shipping. When the user removes the protective cap, the actuation feature becomes accessible for normal operation, thus maintaining ease of use while preventing inadvertent activation.
4Length of moving object
If the system is designed for compact size, then portability is improved, but internal volume for storing substance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is divided into separate components: a compact dispensing unit and a separate container. The substance is stored in the external container, while the dispensing unit remains small and portable. This segmentation allows the user to carry the compact dispensing mechanism and refill it from larger containers, maintaining portability while enabling access to larger quantities of substance.
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
The system provides a user-friendly, ergonomic, and cost-effective solution for dispensing substances into containers of different sizes, reducing the risk of inadvertent activation and minimizing packaging needs, while ensuring compatibility and stability.
Implementation Method 1
breach the sealed bottom end to create a dispensing orifice
Implementation Method 2
vent channels to prevent vapor lock
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system (40) includes a body (54) having an outer wall (64) defining a volume for storing a substance, the outer wall (64) having a top end (66) and a sealed bottom end (70). The top end (66) is covered by a flexible lid (56) that is attached to the body (54). The lid (56) has a press portion (88) for being engaged to move the lid (56) from a first position into a second, deflected position. A post (58) is connected to the lid (56) and is configured in the second position of the lid (56) to breach the sealed bottom end (70) forming a dispensing orifice (80) to accommodate movement of a substance out of the body (54). In one form, the outer wall (64) includes at least one bottle stop projection (218) defining one or more vent channels (219).