Frangible Seal Cap System for Concentrated Refill Capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread practice of refilling spray bottles with concentrated cleaning fluids is hindered by safety concerns, storage challenges, and the risk of improper dilution, leading to inefficient use and waste of cleaning products in both domestic and professional settings.
Innovation Solution
A cap system with a frangible seal and plug assembly that allows safe and controlled delivery of concentrated cleaning fluids into refillable vessels, ensuring reliable dilution and reducing the risk of spills and surface damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concentrated cleaning fluids are supplied in ready-to-use concentration, then user safety and convenience are improved, but plastic waste increases and resource consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cleaning product into two separate components: a reusable spray bottle and replaceable refill capsules containing concentrated cleaning fluid. This segmentation allows the durable spray bottle to be reused multiple times, reducing plastic waste, while the concentrated capsules can be efficiently transported and stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the cleaning fluid by providing it in concentrated form within the refill capsule. The user then dilutes this concentrate by adding water in the spray bottle, transforming it into ready-to-use cleaning solution. This parameter change enables both reduced waste and user safety.
2Loss of substance
If concentrated cleaning fluids are refilled into spray bottles, then plastic waste is reduced, but safety risks and improper dilution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refill capsule is pre-filled with the exact amount of concentrated cleaning fluid needed, and the spray bottle is pre-configured with water reservoir and dosing mechanisms. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to manually handle and measure concentrated chemicals, ensuring safe and accurate dilution without safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill capsule acts as an intermediary device that safely contains the concentrated cleaning fluid during transport and storage. The capsule's sealed design and controlled release mechanism mediate between the concentrated product and the user, preventing direct contact and improper handling while enabling easy refilling.
3Ease of operation
If concentrated cleaning fluids are manually diluted, then ready-to-use products are obtained, but improper dilution leads to inferior cleaning results or health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The spray bottle system incorporates built-in dosing mechanisms and water reservoirs that automatically perform the dilution process. The system self-regulates the mixing ratio by controlling the flow of concentrated fluid from the refill capsule and adding the appropriate amount of water, eliminating the need for user measurement and ensuring accurate dilution every time.
4Device complexity
If spray bottles are discarded after use, then simplicity is maintained, but resource consumption and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refill capsule is designed to nest within or attach to the spray bottle, creating a compact integrated system. The capsule contains the concentrated cleaning fluid and fits into the spray bottle's refilling mechanism, allowing easy replacement without complicating the overall system. This nesting approach maintains simplicity while enabling reuse of the spray bottle.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A cap system for a refill capsule for a container for concentrated cleaning fluid is described. The cap system comprises a cap assembly (200) comprising a conduit (203) sealed by a closure member (208), frangibly connected to an inner surface of the conduit (203). The frangible connection extends in a first plane, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A) of the conduit (203). The cap system further comprises a plug (300), disposed at least partially within the conduit (203), the plug comprising an abutment surface (305) for bearing against the closure member (208), to break the frangible connection (210). The abutment surface (305) extends in a second plane, which is parallel to the first plane in which the frangible connection (210) extends.