Integrated Applicator Bottle with Sloped Bottom

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers and applicators are typically separate entities, leading to messy and inefficient operations when trying to access the contents, and there is no assurance that the applicator dimensions align with the container dimensions, especially as the volume of the contents diminishes.

Innovation Solution

An integrated bottle and applicator assembly with a sloped circular mouth and a ferrule design that prevents the applicator from dipping into the liquid when the bottle is oriented correctly, ensuring the applicator remains clean and can reach the remaining contents effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate containers and applicators are used, then users have flexibility in choosing different applicators, but the operation becomes messy and inefficient requiring handling of multiple objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of separate objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the container and applicator into a single integrated unit where the applicator is permanently attached to the container body. This merging eliminates the need to handle separate objects, reduces mess during operation, and simplifies the user interaction to a single unified device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated design makes the container serve multiple functions: it acts as both the storage vessel and the applicator holder. The container body incorporates features that enable direct application of contents without requiring separate applicator handling, thus achieving multi-functionality in a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate containers and applicators are used, then users can choose different applicators for different tasks, but correlation of dimensions between applicator and container is not assured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator selection flexibilityVSAvoiddimensional correlation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the applicator directly onto the container body, the patent eliminates the dimensional correlation problem that arises with separate components. The applicator and container are manufactured as a unified structure, ensuring precise dimensional matching and proper alignment throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If traditional containers are used, then simple structure is maintained, but the applicator cannot reach diminishing volume of product in the bottom of container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a curved or sloped bottom surface in the container body that directs remaining product toward the applicator tip. This curved geometry ensures that even diminishing volumes of product flow naturally to accessible locations, enabling complete utilization of the contents without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The container interior features localized geometric modifications near the bottom and around the applicator interface to optimize product flow and accessibility. These local structural adaptations ensure that product accumulates in easily accessible areas while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If applicator is integrated with bottle, then storage and transport safety is improved, but the ferrule may dip into liquid contents causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage and transport safetyVSAvoidapplicator contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a ferrule design with preliminary geometric features that prevent the applicator tip from contacting the liquid contents during normal storage and transport orientations. The ferrule structure is pre-configured with barriers or positioning features that maintain proper spacing between the applicator and liquid surface, preventing contamination before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9481497B1Refillable solution storage and application system

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 WHITE MICHAEL

AI summary

A solution storage and application system includes a bottle and an applicator assembly constructed to mutually engage for safe storage and transport of any desired solution within the bottle. The applicator assembly includes a handle by which the applicator assembly is to be manipulated, the handle extending from a free end to a circular flange that serves as a cap for closure of the interior of the bottle when the applicator assembly engages the bottle. A ferrule extends from the flange away from the handle and retains an applicator that extends from the ferrule away from the handle such that longitudinal ends of the handle and applicator serve as longitudinal ends of the applicator assembly.