Durable bottom-dispensing containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottom-dispensing containers face challenges with leakage during storage and impact, and struggle with accurate dosing of both small and large quantities due to material stiffness and complexity in manufacturing and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A resiliently squeezable container made from elastomers with a convex and concave shape, featuring a one-way vent and impact resistance system, which allows for precise dosing and reduced leakage by absorbing hydraulic hammer pressure and maintaining a bottom-dispensing orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If containers are made stiff to maintain form after use, then structural stability is improved, but ease of squeezing for dosing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with localized flexible zones (indicated by reference numerals 2 and 3) that provide give during squeezing operations, while the rest of the container body maintains sufficient stiffness to hold its form. This allows different parts of the container to have different mechanical properties - the flexible zones enable easy dosing while the overall structure remains stable.
2Ease of operation
If elastomer materials are used to improve flexibility and reduce leakage, then ease of squeezing is improved, but dosing precision for varying quantities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates distinct flexible zones (2, 3) separated from the rigid base structure. This segmentation allows the elastomeric portions to provide flexibility and ease of squeezing, while the rigid base with precisely engineered orifice and valve assembly maintains dosing precision. The flexible zones deform under compression to control flow, while the structured base ensures consistent dispensing geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials with specific elastomeric properties that exhibit controlled deformation characteristics. By selecting elastomers with appropriate durometer ratings and cross-section dimensions for zones 2 and 3, the container achieves optimal balance between flexibility for squeezing and precision for dosing. The material parameters are tuned to provide consistent flow characteristics across varying squeeze forces.
3Reliability
If impact resistance systems are incorporated to reduce leakage upon impact, then leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of cleaning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The impact resistance functionality is merged directly into the base structure itself rather than being implemented as a separate component. The base (reference numeral 20) incorporates geometric features and material properties that provide impact resistance, eliminating the need for additional impact-absorbing components. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining leakage prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of impact-induced hydraulic hammer pressure into a beneficial feature by designing the base structure to absorb and dissipate impact energy. The base geometry and material selection are optimized to transform impact forces into controlled deformation that prevents valve opening, thereby converting a harmful phenomenon into a protective mechanism.
4Reliability
If closing caps are added to prevent leakage during storage and impact, then leakage prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional opening and closing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The container design provides passive leakage prevention through its inherent structural features - the flexible zones (2, 3) and impact-resistant base (20) work automatically to prevent leakage during storage and transport without requiring user intervention. The valve assembly self-regulates flow based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for active caps or covers that would require opening and closing operations.
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 solution enables accurate and reliable dosing of both small and large quantities while minimizing leakage and improving user experience through reduced material stiffness and enhanced durability, making the container suitable for repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently squeezable container (10) made from an elastomer
Implementation Method 2
transient liquid pressure increases, also referred to as hydraulic hammer pressure, inside the container
Data Source
AI summary
The need for an improved durable bottom dispensing package that incorporates elastomer materials within the container, while enabling users to accurately dose both small and large quantities of the composition contained within, is met by forming the container of the bottom-dispensing package such that the container wall has a wider portion, such that at least part of the exterior surface of the container has a convex shape, and a narrow portion, such that at least part of the exterior surface of the container wall has a concave shape which is narrower than the adjacent parts of the container.