Multi-Cavity Collapsible Container for Separated Flowable Preparations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for free-flowing preparations are not designed to withstand the mechanical loads within a washing machine tub, leading to potential leakage and inaccurate dosing, as they cannot be directly placed inside the tub and may not maintain a leak-proof connection under high forces.
Innovation Solution
A container with collapsible, fluidically separated cavities for storing different preparations, featuring a deformation-resistant coupling plane for a form-fitting connection with a dosing device, ensuring leak-proof operation and controlled dispensing even under strong forces, with separate openings for each cavity to prevent mixing and allow targeted dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the container is made rigid to withstand mechanical loads, then strength is improved, but the risk of breaking under high forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible cavities made of elastomeric material that can deform under mechanical loads. This flexibility allows the container to absorb high forces during washing and spinning without breaking, while the form-fitting connection to the dosing device maintains the leak-proof seal. The elastomeric material provides both the necessary strength and flexibility to resolve the contradiction between rigid strength and reliable sealing.
2Measurement precision
If the container is designed for direct placement in the tub, then dosing accuracy is improved, but the container is exposed to strong mechanical loads causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the form-fitting connection design that anticipates and cushions against the mechanical loads encountered during direct tub placement. The flexible cavity structure and secure coupling plane are designed beforehand to absorb and distribute the strong forces during washing and spinning, preventing leakage while maintaining the container's position for accurate dosing directly in the tub.
3Device complexity
If multiple preparations are stored together to simplify container structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the preparations may react and lose effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container into multiple separate, fluidically separated cavities, each storing a different preparation. This segmentation prevents unwanted reactions between preparations while maintaining a relatively simple overall container structure. The flexible membrane separating the cavities allows for a compact design without compromising the effectiveness of the stored preparations.
4Ease of operation
If the connection to dosing device is detachable for easy exchange, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of undesired leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic form-fitting connection that adapts to mechanical loads. The flexible cavity structure deforms elastically under pressure, maintaining the seal integrity during washing cycles. This dynamic adaptation allows the connection to remain reliable under varying conditions while still permitting easy detachable exchange when needed, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and sealing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Container (1) for at least two flowable preparations, comprising at least a first cavity (2a) for storing a first flowable preparation, a second cavity (2b) for storing a second flowable preparation, a coupling plane (3) for detachable form-fitting connection with a dosing device, wherein the second cavity (2b) is at least partially enclosed by the first cavity (2a), wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are substantially collapsible and wherein the first cavity (2a) and the second cavity (2b) are fluidically separated from each other.