Lock-out Device Mating Concentric Rings Dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensing systems do not physically prevent incorrect chemical packages from being placed in the wrong dispensing locations, leading to potential misuse and increased costs due to the need for multiple differently shaped bottles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of mating concentric rings or projections on packages and dispensers, ensuring that only correctly coded packages can engage the dispensing location, preventing incorrect product dispensing through matching recesses and projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional color coding is used to guide users to place packages in correct dispensing locations, then user guidance is improved, but physical prevention of incorrect dispensing is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical coding system consisting of concentric rings with projections and recesses that act as a mediator between the package and dispenser. This physical intermediary provides active prevention by mechanically blocking incorrect package-dispenser pairings, thereby resolving the contradiction between user guidance and reliable prevention.
2Reliability
If the shape and size of bottles are altered to prevent engagement with incorrect dispensing locations, then prevention of incorrect dispensing is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase due to needing multiple differently shaped bottles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the bottle shape into a standardized body combined with a separate, interchangeable closure component that contains the concentric ring coding. This allows the expensive coding feature to be isolated to a small, replaceable part rather than requiring entirely different bottle shapes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized bottle body combined with coded closures creates a universal system where a single dispenser type can accommodate multiple chemical products through different closure codes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized dispenser types, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable prevention of incorrect dispensing.
3Reliability
If mating concentric ring projections and recesses are implemented on packages and dispensers, then physical prevention of incorrect dispensing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the coding complexity solely in the closure component rather than distributing it throughout the entire package or dispenser system. The simple, standardized bottle body and dispenser housing remain unchanged, while only the relatively small closure requires the concentric ring features. This localized complexity minimizes overall device complexity while achieving reliable prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device to insure that a particular dispensing package (18) can only be engaged into an appropriate dispensing location (14). Specifically, the package and the dispenser have mating concentric rings (24, 30) (or portions thereof) to prevent engagement and dispensing of an inappropriate product. In one embodiment, the package (18) is provided with one or more concentric ring projections (24) (or portions thereof) and the dispenser (10) is provided with one or more matching concentric ring recesses (30). The projections and the recesses have similar diameters to define a mating set. In some embodiments, the concentric ring projections are placed on a closure (20), such as a cap, of the package. In alternative embodiments, the projections are placed on the dispenser and the recesses are placed on the package.