Dual-Container Screw Cap Packaging With Torque-Transfer Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging units for pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements require significant plastic material for manufacturing and lack user-friendly and cost-effective designs.
Innovation Solution
The cap and second container are connected in a rotationally fixed manner, allowing torque transfer and featuring an enlarged gripping area, with separate manufacturing processes for each container type, and a permanent connection to reduce material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the closure cap and second container are connected rigidly with extensive material, then the connection strength is improved, but the material usage and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into discrete fastening elements (protrusions and recesses) distributed around the perimeter of the second container. This segmentation provides sufficient cumulative connection strength while using minimal material per element, avoiding the need for extensive continuous material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements are nested within the structural geometry of the container and cap - protrusions extend from the second container base and engage with corresponding recesses in the cap's receiving space. This nesting approach creates strong mechanical interlocking without requiring additional external fastening materials.
2Ease of operation
If the closure cap is designed with large grip area for easy opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure cap serves multiple functions: it provides the screw-threaded closure mechanism for the first container, forms the receiving space with fastening elements for the second container, and simultaneously provides the outer grip surface for user operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate grip components, reducing complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip surface is merged with the closure cap body itself rather than being a separate component. The external surface of the closure cap naturally provides the grip area, combining the structural function of the cap with the operational function of the grip surface in a single integrated element.
3Reliability
If the second container is completely covered by the closure cap, then the packaging integrity is improved, but the material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure cap provides coverage and sealing only where required - specifically at the opening of the first container and at the fastening interface with the second container. The cap does not need to extend as a complete shell over the second container, using material locally at critical interfaces rather than universally across the entire container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of completely covering the second container is extracted from the closure cap design. Instead, the second container is secured through localized fastening elements at its base, and the closure cap only covers the necessary opening area, removing the excess material requirement for full coverage while maintaining packaging integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a packaging unit (1) comprising a first container (10) for receiving free-flowing or liquid contents, with a container body (11) and a pouring opening (12) forming a first receiving chamber (13), a closure cap (30) for closing the pouring opening (12), and a second container (20) for receiving tablets, pills, or pill-like contents, forming a second receiving chamber (21). The closure cap (30) is designed as a screw cap, wherein the closure cap (30) and the second container (20) are rotationally fixed to one another, so that a torque applied to the second container (20) is transmitted to the closure cap (30).