Modular Fitment with Cylindrical Opening for Flexible Closure Options
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer products packaged in plastic containers often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste, and while refills are a sustainable option, they require effort and awareness from consumers, who may not find them convenient or attractive.
Innovation Solution
A refill container system featuring a thin-walled or flexible product chamber within a rigid outer shell container, supported by a fitment that allows easy display and use, minimizing material usage and environmental impact, with a destructive cover for easy access and a snap-fit closure for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid plastic containers are used for consumer products, then product protection and durability are improved, but environmental waste and landfill contribution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into two segments: a reusable rigid outer container and a disposable inner refill pouch. The rigid container maintains product protection and durability, while the flexible refill pouch contains the consumable product, separating the protective function from the consumable function to reduce overall waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible refill pouch is nested inside the rigid outer container. This allows the refill to be contained within the protective structure during storage and transport, then removed and inserted into a refillable dispensing container, maximizing the utility of the rigid container while minimizing material usage for the refill portion.
2Loss of substance
If refill containers are provided with minimal packaging, then material usage and environmental impact are reduced, but consumer convenience and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The refill pouch is nested within the rigid outer container, which provides structural support and protection during shipping. The rigid container includes an integrated dispensing mechanism that remains after the refill is inserted, providing ease of use without requiring the refill itself to be rigid or complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid outer container serves as an intermediary between the minimal-packaging refill pouch and the consumer's dispensing needs. It provides the structural support, opening mechanism, and user interface that the flexible pouch alone cannot provide, while the pouch provides the actual product with minimal packaging.
3Weight of moving object
If thin-walled flexible product chambers are used, then material weight and environmental impact are minimized, but structural support and stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function is segmented from the product-containing function. The rigid outer container provides all necessary structural support, while the thin-walled flexible pouch only needs to contain the product, allowing it to be made from minimal material while maintaining overall system strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The product chamber is made from a flexible thin-walled pouch that can be compressed and deformed during dispensing. This flexible structure is supported by the rigid outer container, allowing the use of minimal material for the product-containing element while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid support structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If refills require consumer effort and awareness for proper use, then recycling and re-use sustainability are improved, but consumer acceptance and willingness to use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-explanatory and self-servicing. The rigid outer container clearly indicates how to open and refill it, and the refill pouch is designed to be easily inserted and removed. The integrated dispensing mechanism automatically manages the refilling process, reducing the cognitive load and effort required from consumers while maintaining sustainability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A fitment (900) comprising a centrally disposed cylindrical opening (904) defined by a cylindrical wall (906) which extends above and below a fitment platform (908). The fitment is adapted to combine with various attachments providing different closure options to form a modular fitment, enabling to be more flexible in the type of closure which is used.