Multi-chamber container with movable divider closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-chamber containers fail to effectively prevent the inadvertent mixing of flowable substances during dispensing, as substances can still flow from one chamber into another despite design efforts to isolate them.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber container design featuring a body with separate storage chambers and a mixing chamber, where a closure with a divider isolates or connects the chambers to control fluid communication, ensuring precise volumes of each substance are dispensed into the mixing chamber to prevent mixing during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a divider is provided between discharge openings to prevent mixing, then mixing prevention is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and may not fully prevent inadvertent mixing during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber, second chamber, mixing chamber) with separate discharge openings. Each chamber is isolated from the others during storage and dispensing, with only the mixing chamber receiving fluids from both storage chambers through controlled pathways. This segmentation ensures that substances remain separated until intentionally mixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber serves as an intermediary space between the storage chambers and the external environment. Both substances are dispensed into this intermediate mixing chamber through separate inlets, where mixing occurs in a controlled manner before dispensing to the user. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between substances during storage and transport.
2Reliability
If separate discharge openings with rib members are used, then mixing prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases and mixing may still occur during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber, second chamber, mixing chamber) with separate discharge openings. Each chamber is isolated from the others during storage and dispensing, with only the mixing chamber receiving fluids from both storage chambers through controlled pathways. This segmentation ensures that substances remain separated until intentionally mixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber serves as an intermediary space between the storage chambers and the external environment. Both substances are dispensed into this intermediate mixing chamber through separate inlets, where mixing occurs in a controlled manner before dispensing to the user. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between substances during storage and transport.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable closure with divider is used to isolate and connect chambers, then mixing control is improved, but the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is designed to be movable between a closed position (where the divider isolates the mixing chamber portions) and an open position (where the mixing chamber portions are in fluid communication). This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt between two states: storage/transport mode with separation and dispensing mode with controlled mixing, providing versatility while maintaining operational simplicity through a single movement action.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multi-chamber container for dispensing flowable substances, comprising: a body having: a first storage chamber for storing a first flowable substance, a second storage chamber for storing a second flowable substance, a mixing chamber, a first inlet that fluidly connects the first storage chamber with a first portion of the mixing chamber, and a second inlet that fluidly connects the second storage chamber with a second portion of the mixing chamber; and a closure having a divider, wherein the closure is movable relative to the body between: (a) a first position, at which the divider isolates the first portion of the mixing chamber from the second portion of the mixing chamber and the closure is spaced from the first and second inlets, and (b) a second position, at which the first portion of the mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the second portion of the mixing chamber.