Multi-volume Container with Integrated Septum for Fluid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of multi-volume containers is complex and costly due to the need for separate assembly of individual compartments, which increases production costs and quality control requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-volume container design featuring a first element with a mantle portion and a second element with a septum, where the second element is arranged inside the first element, allowing for separate storage and dispensing of products through overlapping openings, and a method for manufacturing using a multi-layer parison and mandrel displacement to form a fluid-tight septum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-volume containers are produced by assembling individual compartments separately, then each compartment can fulfil structural stability requirements independently, but the production process becomes complex and costly with additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compartments into a single integrated container structure produced by one extrusion blow-moulding process. The container features an integrated body with multiple cavities formed simultaneously during moulding, eliminating separate assembly operations while maintaining structural integrity through the unified wall structure and integrated base sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design integrates multiple functions into a single structure: it provides separate storage compartments, independent dispensing openings, integrated sealing, and self-contained structural stability all within one moulded piece. The base portion serves both as structural support and as a sealing element for multiple cavities simultaneously.
2Reliability
If multi-volume containers are produced by assembling individual compartments separately, then quality control requirements increase, but the compartments can be produced independently using standard methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compartments into a single integrated container structure produced by one extrusion blow-moulding process. The container features an integrated body with multiple cavities formed simultaneously during moulding, eliminating separate assembly operations while maintaining structural integrity through the unified wall structure and integrated base sealing system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate compartments are assembled into multi-volume containers, then independent storage and dispensing is achieved, but production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compartments into a single integrated container structure produced by one extrusion blow-moulding process. The container features an integrated body with multiple cavities formed simultaneously during moulding, eliminating separate assembly operations while maintaining structural integrity through the unified wall structure and integrated base sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design enables each compartment to function independently with its own dispensing opening and sealing mechanism, allowing users to access and dispense products from different compartments separately. The integrated structure automatically provides the necessary sealing and structural support for each compartment without requiring additional assembly components.
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
This design simplifies production, reduces costs, and allows for independent dispensing of multiple products while maintaining structural stability and fluid-tight separation, thereby overcoming the complexity and cost issues of prior art multi-volume containers.
Implementation Method 1
moving a mandrel through the second opening towards the first internal volume to displace the base portion inside the first internal volume and thereby defining the septum of the multi-volume container
Implementation Method 2
a method for producing a multi-volume container made from a multi-layer parison comprising at least a first component and at least a second component
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-volume container (100) is made of a first (200) and at least a second (300) element. The first element comprises a first mantle portion (210) which defines a first internal volume (220) and has a first (230) and a second (240) opening. The second element comprises a second mantle portion (310) which defines a second internal volume (320) within the first internal volume, and has a third opening (330). The two elements (200, 300) are in a substantially affixed spatial arrangement with one another wherein the first opening at least partially overlaps the third opening. At least a second portion (380) of the second mantle portion constitutes a septum providing a fluid tight separation between the first and the second opening of the first element. A method for blow-moulding said container is also disclosed.