Dual-Opening Paper Container Refilling Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional containers with single openings are not suitable for refilling and are often made from non-biodegradable plastics, leading to pollution and waste, while existing paper-based containers lack effective stacking and packing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring two openings, one for pouring and another resealable opening for refilling, made from sustainable paper materials, allowing for efficient stacking and packing, and utilizing a spout with a cork mechanism for easy sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a container has a single opening for pouring, then the pouring function is simple and effective, but the container cannot be refilled and must be discarded after first use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepouring functionVSAvoidrefilling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two distinct openings: a first opening optimized for pouring with a spout structure, and a second opening optimized for refilling with a larger cross-sectional area. This segmentation allows each opening to serve its specific function effectively without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container body serves multiple functions through its dual-opening design: it can be used for pouring liquids, refilling from external containers, and stacking when empty. The second opening specifically enables the container to be refilled multiple times, transforming it from a single-use to a reusable vessel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If containers are made from plastic materials, then the containers are durable and functional, but they cause pollution and are not biodegradable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer durabilityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The material composition parameter is changed from synthetic plastic to paper-based materials. The container is made from paper pulp with an inner coating applied to the interior surface, maintaining functional properties while improving biodegradability and environmental compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The container uses a composite structure combining paper pulp for the main body with an inner coating layer. This composite material approach provides the necessary durability and liquid resistance while maintaining biodegradability, as the paper base decomposes naturally and the coating is designed to be environmentally friendly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If paper materials are used for containers, then the containers are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but they lack effective stacking and packing solutions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidstacking and packing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container features a substantially flat bottom surface that creates a stable base for stacking. When empty, the container can be inverted and stacked on top of other containers, with the flat bottom providing a stable support surface. This design enables efficient vertical stacking and maximizes packing density during transport and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

4Ease of operation

If the second opening has a larger cross-sectional area for refilling, then the refilling process is easier and faster, but the sealing requirements become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling easeVSAvoidsealing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted as a separate, removable component - a closure element that can be attached to the second opening when refilling is complete. This separates the large opening needed for easy refilling from the sealing requirement, allowing the opening to remain large for fast refilling while the closure provides effective sealing when attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20240217692A1Container with bottom opening and method of filling such container

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 BLUEWATER INNOVATIONS AB

AI summary

There is disclosed a container (100) configured to hold a fluid or granular substance and extending along an axis A. The container comprises a top part (110). The top part comprises a container body (120) configured to hold the fluid or granular substance, and a first opening (130) with a first area (A1). The container further comprises a bottom part (140) configured to be permanently fitted to the top part. The bottom part comprises a second resealable opening (150) with a second area (A2), the second area is larger than the first area. There is also disclosed a method for filling a container.