Elastomer Base Structure for Leak-Resistant Bottom-Dispensing Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bottom-dispensing containers face challenges with leakage due to impact, temperature changes, and handling, which leads to consumer dissatisfaction and environmental concerns related to single-use plastic packaging.
Innovation Solution
A durable bottom-dispensing package featuring a resiliently squeezable container made from elastomers with a Shore A hardness of 0 to 80, combined with a base that includes an orifice and an impact resistance system, reduces leakage by absorbing transient liquid pressure increases and allowing for easy refilling without additional caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closing cap is added to prevent leakage, then leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional opening/closing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the closing cap component entirely from the system. Instead of adding a cap to prevent leakage, the patent uses a self-sealing valve mechanism integrated into the dispensing system that automatically closes when not in use, eliminating the need for separate opening/closing operations while maintaining leakage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The self-sealing valve automatically performs the sealing function without user intervention. When the container is not being dispensed, the valve closes itself to prevent leakage, and opens only when dispensing is required, replacing the manual cap opening/closing operation with an automated self-service mechanism
2Reliability
If a closing cap is added to prevent leakage, then leakage prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional opening/closing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The closing cap is completely removed from the system. The patent implements a self-sealing valve that inherently prevents leakage without requiring a separate cap component, thereby eliminating the additional opening/closing steps that reduce operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The self-sealing valve autonomously manages the sealing function, opening when dispensing is needed and closing automatically afterward. This self-service behavior eliminates the need for user intervention to open/close caps, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable leakage prevention
3Reliability
If impact resistance systems are incorporated to reduce leakage, then leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex impact resistance systems from the design. Instead of incorporating additional impact absorption mechanisms, the invention relies on the self-sealing valve's inherent ability to prevent leakage under various conditions, including impact, thereby simplifying the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The self-sealing valve automatically responds to pressure changes caused by impact by closing tighter when subjected to external forces. This self-adjusting behavior provides impact resistance without requiring separate impact protection components, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability
4Reliability
If impact resistance systems are incorporated to reduce leakage, then leakage prevention is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex impact resistance systems that create cleaning difficulties. The simplified self-sealing valve design has fewer crevices and components, making it easier to access and clean while maintaining effective leakage prevention under impact conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The self-sealing valve's simple, integrated design allows for easy manual cleaning without requiring disassembly of complex impact protection mechanisms. The valve's straightforward structure enables users to easily rinse and maintain the dispensing system, improving ease of repair and maintenance
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 effectively minimizes leakage during storage and handling, enhances user convenience by eliminating the need for additional caps, and promotes reusability, thereby reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the body of the base (20) is at least partially made from an elastomer, wherein the elastomer used in the base (20) has a Shore A (Type A) hardness of from 0 to 80
Implementation Method 2
reduces leakage by absorbing transient liquid pressure increases
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom dispensing package for a liquid composition includes a resiliently squeezable container for housing the liquid composition; and a base operably connected to the container, wherein the base comprises an orifice. The body of the base is at least partially made from an elastomer. The elastomer used in the base has a Shore A (Type A) hardness of from about 0 to about 80, and the shore A hardness is measured using the method described in ISO 868:2003.