Packaging System With Bayonet Coupling and Cutting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems for personal care, home care, and laundry care compositions lack the ability to safely and versatilely use concentrated compositions that can be reconstituted by consumers to form diluted solutions, leading to inefficiencies in weight and transport costs.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system comprising a primary storage container with an annular fitting and a secondary refill container featuring a frangible film and bayonet couplings, allowing for the secure locking and cutting of the film to dispense the concentrate into the primary container, enhancing ergonomic features and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If concentrated compositions are used to reduce product weight and transport costs, then weight and transport efficiency are improved, but safety and ease of use deteriorate due to handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system performs the mixing operation automatically through the coupling mechanism itself. When the secondary container is coupled to the primary container, the cutting element automatically pierces the frangible film and allows concentrate to transfer, eliminating the need for manual mixing operations by the consumer.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible film acts as an intermediary barrier that controls the transfer of concentrated composition. It maintains safety during storage and transport, then allows controlled transfer when the coupling mechanism activates it, mediating between the concentrated form and the diluted final product.
2Loss of energy
If concentrated compositions are used to reduce product weight and transport costs, then transport efficiency is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares the concentrated composition in a safe, contained state within the secondary container before use. The frangible film and coupling mechanism are pre-configured to ensure that the concentrate remains sealed and inaccessible until the proper coupling action occurs, preventing premature or improper exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible film serves as a safety intermediary that physically separates the concentrated composition from the user and the primary container until the correct coupling action occurs. This intermediary mechanism prevents accidental exposure or misuse while allowing intended use.
3Reliability
If a coupling mechanism is introduced to lock the refill container, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the bayonet coupling provides mechanical locking, the cutting element pierces the seal, and the interface controls the transfer of concentrate. This consolidation achieves reliable secure locking without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical attachment, sealing engagement, and activation of the cutting element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
4Ease of operation
If a cutting element is added to pierce the frangible film, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting element is integrated into the coupling mechanism itself rather than being a separate component. The act of coupling the containers simultaneously activates the cutting action, merging the piercing function with the attachment function and minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting element operates automatically through the mechanical action of coupling the containers. The user simply performs the coupling motion, and the cutting action occurs self-service through the mechanical interaction, eliminating the need for separate manual piercing operations or complex control mechanisms.
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 system enables consumers to safely and efficiently combine concentrated compositions with water, reducing product weight and transport costs while providing enhanced ergonomic features for various uses, such as liquid hand soaps and cleaning compositions.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one cutting element is located to cut the frangible film when the first and second bayonet couplings are coupled together
Implementation Method 2
The gasket member is compressible and comprises a gasket or the secondary refill container further comprises a gasket member around the annular flange
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A primary storage(2)container has a body portion (4), a neck portion (6) extending from the body portion, the neck portion providing an outlet of the primary storage container, an annular fitting (10) on the neck portion for fitting a closure (12) onto the primary storage container and at least one cutting element (14) extending outwardly of the fitting in a direction away from the outlet (8); and wherein the fitting has a first bayonet coupling (42) for releasably locking into the fitting a flange (36) forming a second bayonet coupling (44). A refill container (32) has a chamber portion (34), filled with a dose of a refill composition, the chamber portion having an annular flange defining (36) an opening (38) of the chamber portion (34), and a frangible film (40) covering the opening and attached to the annular flange (36), wherein the flange (36) has a male bayonet coupling (44). The primary storage container and the refill container (32) are combined in a packaging system.