Segregated Storage Container With Pliable Fluid-Tight Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a versatile and cost-effective storage container that can accommodate items with different storage requirements, such as fluid-tight and non-fluid-tight compartments, and varying sizes, while ensuring compatibility and ease of manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a compartment made of pliable, fluid-sealable material and a closure member, along with a cap and plug member, that divides the container body into distinct segregated storage regions, allowing for fluid-tight and non-fluid-tight storage within a single container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single container is used to store multiple items with different storage requirements, then storage versatility is improved, but the complexity of meeting diverse storage needs (fluid-tight vs. non-fluid-tight, different sizes) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple compartments within a single body, with each compartment capable of providing different storage environments (fluid-tight or non-fluid-tight). This segmentation allows the container to meet diverse storage requirements for different items while maintaining a unified overall structure, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container body is designed with universal features that support multiple functions: it can accommodate both fluid-tight and non-fluid-tight compartments, support different opening types (first opening with cap, second opening with plug), and adapt to various item sizes. This multi-functionality enables a single container design to serve diverse storage needs.
2Reliability
If complex manufacturing techniques are used to achieve advanced container designs, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed as an assembly of separate components (container body, compartments, closures) that can be manufactured independently using standard techniques and then assembled. This modular segmentation allows each component to be produced with simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing processes while the final assembled product meets complex functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartment acts as an intermediary element that bridges the container body and the closure mechanisms. It provides the fluid-tight sealing function without requiring the entire container to be complex, thus simplifying the overall manufacturing approach while maintaining functional reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate compartments are created within a container body, then segregated storage capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment is nested within the container body, with the compartment housing fitting inside the container cavity. This nesting arrangement creates segregated storage regions without requiring separate external containers, thus improving segregated storage capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through space-efficient design.
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 provides a practical and economical way to store different items in a single container, ensuring fluid-tight sealing and separate compartments without the need for complex manufacturing techniques, thereby meeting user demands efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The compartment has a housing formed of a pliable, fluid sealable material open at a first end, and the housing receives a closure member also formed of a pliable, fluid sealable material that is dimensioned to form a fluid-tight connection with the first end of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly includes a container body enclosing a cavity, and first and second openings in the body that communicate with the cavity. A compartment is dimensioned for receipt through the first opening into the body cavity and partially fills the body cavity. The compartment housing is formed of a pliable, fluid sealable material open at a first end, and the housing receives a closure member also formed of a pliable, fluid sealable material to form a fluid-tight connection with the first end of the housing. The compartment includes an external shoulder dimensioned that limits further advancement of the compartment through the first opening and into the body cavity. A cap is dimensioned for receipt over the first opening of the body to selectively open and close access to the body cavity, and access to the compartment. A plug member is dimensioned for operative engagement with the second opening of the body for selectively opening and closing access to the body cavity.