Fluid Refill Sealing Mechanism for Leak-Proof Bottle Connection
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid product refills for bottles with threaded necks often result in fluid loss during refilling due to leakage and inefficient filling processes.
Innovation Solution
A refill system comprising a flexible bag with a dispensing assembly featuring a sealing appendage, cam track, and threaded connection sleeve, allowing for screw-on connection to the bottle neck, which opens to allow fluid transfer without leakage, utilizing a crushable pouch to push contents back into the bottle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a traditional refill connection system is used, then the refilling process is simple, but fluid product loss occurs due to leakage and inefficient filling
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing appendage is pre-positioned within the dispensing assembly before connection to the bottle, ensuring that the sealing interface is already prepared and aligned. This preliminary positioning prevents misalignment during connection, eliminating leakage paths and ensuring reliable sealing from the moment of engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing appendage acts as an intermediary element between the refill container and the bottle opening. This intermediate sealing component creates a controlled fluid pathway that prevents direct exposure to external leakage paths, thereby reducing fluid product loss while maintaining connection reliability.
2Productivity
If the refill connection is made quickly, then refilling speed increases, but fluid loss increases due to improper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing appendage and cam track mechanism are pre-configured in the dispensing assembly before connection. This preliminary setup allows the user to simply screw the refill onto the bottle without complex alignment steps, achieving rapid connection while maintaining reliable sealing that prevents fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile automatically interacts with the cam track during the screwing motion itself, causing the sealing appendage to engage and the passage to open automatically as part of the connection process. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for separate sealing actions, enabling fast refilling without compromising seal integrity.
3Loss of substance
If a sealing mechanism is added to prevent leakage, then fluid loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing appendage is integrated directly into the dispensing assembly structure, merging the sealing function with the connection mechanism. The cam track and cam profile are incorporated into the same assembly, combining the actuation mechanism with the sealing action. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining effective sealing to prevent fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is designed to activate automatically through the natural screwing motion of connecting the refill to the bottle. The cam profile follows the cam track during rotation, automatically causing the sealing appendage to engage and the passage to open. This self-actuating design eliminates the need for additional controls or complex actuation systems, keeping the device simple while ensuring reliable sealing.
4Reliability
If the passage remains closed during connection, then sealing is maintained, but refilling time increases due to delayed opening
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile is positioned on the plug such that during the screwing motion, it automatically follows the cam track and triggers the passage opening at the optimal moment. The sealing is maintained during initial connection, then automatically opened by the self-actuating cam mechanism without requiring additional user action, thus minimizing refilling time while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam track is pre-configured in the dispensing assembly to guide the cam profile through a specific path during connection. This preliminary setup ensures that the passage opens automatically at the precise moment when the sealing is established, eliminating delays while maintaining reliable sealing throughout the connection process.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Fluid product refill (R) for filling a bottle (F) provided with a threaded neck (C), the refill (R) comprising: a flexible pouch (P) comprising an opening, a dispensing assembly (D1; D2) comprising a sealing appendage (11; 11') and a threaded connection sleeve (22; 22') adapted for the screwing of the threaded neck (C) of the bottle (F), the dispensing assembly (D1; D2) comprising: an insert (1; 1') forming the sealing appendage (11; 11'), a passage (10), and also a camway (120) or an external thread (120'), and - a stopper (2; 2') forming the threaded connection sleeve (22; 22'), and also a cam profile (210) or an internal thread (210') engaging with the camway (120) or the external thread (120'), respectively, wherein the stopper (2; 2') is initially in sealed engagement with the insert (1; 1') so as to close off the passage (10), the cam profile (210) or internal thread (210') moving in the camway (120) or external thread (120') subsequent to the threaded neck (C) of the bottle (F) being screwed into the threaded connection sleeve (22; 22'), so as to open the passage (10).