Double-Walled Container Throttle Passage Air Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double containers with check valves to hold ambient air between inner and outer layers are costly due to the increased number of parts required.
Innovation Solution
A double container design that eliminates the need for a check valve by incorporating a throttle passage in the dispensing cap and inner plug, allowing ambient air to be introduced between the inner and outer layers through a vent region, maintaining desired pressure for dispensing the content when the outer layer is squeezed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is provided to hold ambient air between the inner and outer layers, then the dispensing functionality is improved, but the production cost increases due to the increased number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the check valve functionality with the existing ambient air introducing hole structure by providing a valve member that opens and closes the introducing hole based on pressure differential. This integration eliminates the need for a separate check valve component while maintaining the air-holding function between layers, thereby reducing part count and production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member automatically responds to pressure changes between the inner and outer layers, opening when inner layer pressure exceeds outer layer pressure to allow air intake, and closing when outer layer pressure is higher to maintain the air pocket. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control mechanisms or additional check valve components.
2Reliability
If a check valve is provided to hold ambient air between the inner and outer layers, then the air pressure control is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is integrated into the existing structure of the inner layer body or dispensing cap, combining the air intake control function with the ambient air introducing hole. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be produced and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining air pressure control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member's opening and closing is controlled by pressure differential parameters between the inner and outer layers. When the inner layer pressure exceeds the outer layer pressure by a certain threshold, the valve opens; when the pressure differential reverses, the valve closes. This pressure-based control mechanism provides reliable air pressure regulation without requiring complex active control systems or additional expensive components.
3Productivity
If the inner layer body is allowed to shrink during dispensing, then the content dispensing is enabled, but ambient air may flow into the inner layer body after dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is pre-configured to close automatically when the outer layer pressure exceeds the inner layer pressure, which occurs after dispensing when the inner layer shrinks. This preliminary closing action prevents ambient air from entering the inner layer body through the introducing hole, thereby preventing contamination while allowing free dispensing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member provides automatic feedback control based on the pressure differential between the inner and outer layers. During dispensing, when inner layer pressure is higher, the valve remains open to allow air intake for maintaining the air pocket. After dispensing, when outer layer pressure becomes higher due to shrinking, the valve automatically closes to prevent ambient air from entering the inner layer, thus preventing contamination.
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
This design reduces production costs by eliminating the need for a check valve while maintaining effective dispensing functionality by controlling air pressure between the inner and outer layers.
Implementation Method 1
a throttle passage is provided in a passage extending from an ambient air introducing hole through the vent region to the aperture
Implementation Method 2
a check valve configured to open and close the dispensing passage
Data Source
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AI summary
Double container (201) includes: inner layer body (204) provided with upper opening (204b); outer layer body (205) accommodating inner layer body (204) and including mouth portion (205a) provided with aperture (206); and dispensing cap (203) provided with content dispensing spout (209) and fitted to mouth portion (205a). Double container (201) further includes: inside plug (212) provided with dispensing passage (216) and fitted to upper opening (204b); and check valve (221A) configured to open and close dispensing passage (216). Dispensing cap (203) has a cylindrical wall (207), and cylindrical wall (207) has a lower end portion fitted to an outer circumferential surface of outer layer body (205) to provide vent region (232, 233) inside dispensing cap (203). Throttle passage (233) is provided in a passage extending from ambient air introducing hole (231) through vent region (231) to aperture (206) below the upper opening (204b).