Deformable Inner Container Fixing Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with deformable inner bags and stiff outer containers for dispensing high-viscous products face issues with incomplete emptying due to bag deformation, leading to product residue, and have complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a pin-like fixing element connecting the inner and outer containers to prevent bag crumpling, and an anti-collapse member to maintain the bag's shape without obstructing product flow, along with a simplified manufacturing method using two-component injection molding and separate forming of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the inner container is allowed to deform freely during dispensing, then the dispensing device can be simpler, but the inner container crumples forming voids that enclose product, preventing complete emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between inner and outer containers is segmented into multiple locations: the dispensing opening area and at least one additional location remote from the dispensing opening. This segmentation prevents the inner container from crumpling into voids while maintaining dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is pre-formed with connection features (such as protrusions or integrally formed connection elements) that enable predetermined connection locations to be established before the dispensing process begins, ensuring proper structural support is in place before product dispensing starts.
2Loss of substance
If the inner container is connected to the outer container at multiple locations, then crumpling is prevented and complete emptying is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inner container and outer container are merged into a single integral structure through co-injection molding, where the inner container is formed first and the outer container is then molded around it. This combining of forming operations eliminates separate assembly steps for multiple connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The co-injection molding process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms both containers, creates the connections between them at multiple locations, and establishes the structural relationship needed to prevent crumpling, all in a single manufacturing operation.
3Loss of substance
If an anti-collapse member is added to prevent inner container deformation, then product emptying is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-collapse function is extracted from the inner container material itself and implemented through the structural design of the connection system. The connections at multiple locations provide the necessary structural support without requiring separate anti-collapse components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system between inner and outer containers serves dual functions: it secures the containers together and simultaneously prevents crumpling of the inner container. The structure self-regulates to maintain shape without additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a container for a product for dispensing, comprising a relatively stiff outer container (2) having at least one dispensing opening (3), and a deformable inner container (4) to be filled with the product which is accommodated in the outer container and which likewise has a dispensing opening (5). The inner container is connected to the outer container both in the vicinity of the dispensing opening and at least at one location remote therefrom. The connection is formed in that the outer container has an opening (8) through which protrudes at least one fixing element (10) connected to the inner container. This fixing element is pin-like and has an end part of which the dimensions are larger than those of the opening. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a container.