Inverted Dispensing Container With Sliding Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid personal care product containers with flip-top, twist-up, or screw-top closures require two hands to open and close, making it inconvenient to use one hand for dispensing and closing, especially when the other hand is occupied with the product.
Innovation Solution
A flexible container with a closed top and open bottom, featuring a base with a nozzle and a sliding panel-cap closure that allows one-handed dispensing and self-closing functionality, where the weight of the container closes the aperture when placed on a surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flip-top, twist-up, or screw-top closures are used, then the container can be sealed securely, but two hands are required to open and close the closure
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into two functional parts: a push-button actuator for opening and a snap-fit latch mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows the closure to be operated with one hand while maintaining secure sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism automatically latches when pushed down and automatically unlocks when the button is pressed, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of complex mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the user's simple pushing action to trigger both closing and locking functions.
2Productivity
If the container is designed for bottom dispensing, then gravity facilitates liquid flow, but the closure mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of dispensing from the top, the container is inverted with the dispensing opening at the bottom. This inversion allows gravity to naturally pull the liquid toward the opening, facilitating easy dispensing without requiring complex pumping or pressurization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom-dispensing design uses gravity as a free energy source to drive liquid flow. The system automatically utilizes the gravitational force acting on the liquid to move it toward the dispensing opening, eliminating the need for additional mechanical assistance.
3Ease of operation
If the closure is made easily operable with one hand, then user convenience is improved, but the sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is designed to automatically engage and seal immediately when pushed down, before any liquid can leak. The snap-fit latch mechanism pre-positioned in the closure ensures that sealing occurs as soon as the closing action is initiated, preventing any opportunity for leakage during the closing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This allows for a simple, reliable sealing solution that prioritizes function over durability, ensuring effective sealing without complex long-lasting mechanisms.
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
Enables easy one-handed dispensing and closing of liquid personal care products, reducing the risk of leaks and spills, and providing hands-free closure through gravity-assisted self-closing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The weight of the container itself is sufficient to close the open closure
Implementation Method 2
The dispensing step includes squeezing the flexible body
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a container for dispensing a liquid from the container. The container includes a flexible body having a closed top and an open bottom and a base attached to the open bottom of the body. The body and base define a chamber for holding a liquid. The base includes a floor and a peripheral rim extending below the floor. A nozzle extends from the floor. A closure slidingly engages with the nozzle. The closure includes a panel-cap having an aperture through which the liquid is dispensed.