Press-in Bottle Adapter Removal Tool with Interlocking Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Press-in bottle adapters (PIBAs) are difficult to remove from liquid-containing bottles due to their tight fit, leading to challenges in accessing the contents without spilling or contaminating the medication, especially when the adapter is defective or not functioning as intended.
Innovation Solution
A removal tool with a key and removable cap is designed to couple with the bottle, featuring an actuator with a breaker and side extensions that engage with the PIBA, allowing for the deformation of the internal wall to create interlocking recesses, facilitating the removal of the PIBA without leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tight fit relationship is used between the PIBA and the bottle to adequately seal the PIBA against the bottle, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because installation and removal become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-configured removal tools with specific geometric features (protrusions, actuators, breakers) that are designed to engage with the PIBA's internal wall structure before removal is needed. The tool includes a protrusion with radially outward projections that match the PIBA's internal cavity geometry, allowing the user to apply controlled force at the correct location to deform the internal wall and release the PIBA from the tight fit, thus resolving the contradiction between secure sealing and ease of removal.
2Reliability
If a tight fit relationship is used between the PIBA and the bottle to adequately seal the PIBA against the bottle, then sealing reliability is improved, but loss of substance worsens because liquid may spill or contaminate during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a specialized removal tool as a mediator between the user and the PIBA. The tool includes a removable cap that couples with the bottle and a key mechanism with a protrusion that inserts into the PIBA's internal cavity. This intermediary tool allows controlled deformation of the internal wall through the breaker mechanism, enabling PIBA removal while maintaining liquid containment and preventing spillage or contamination during the extraction process.
3Ease of operation
If the internal wall of the stopper is deformed to create interlocking recesses, then ease of operation is improved for removal, but manufacturing precision worsens due to the deformation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing controlled mechanical deformation of the internal wall material through the breaker mechanism. The protrusion with radially outward projections applies localized force to deform the internal wall, creating permanent recesses that interlock with the removal tool. This controlled parameter change (from rigid to deformed state) enables easy removal while the precision is maintained through the designed geometry of the deformation zones, allowing the same mechanism to work reliably across multiple uses.
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
The solution enables efficient and leak-resistant removal of PIBAs from bottles, allowing for access to the contents without spilling, reducing waste, and enabling the replacement of defective adapters, thereby improving customer convenience and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The projection permanently deform the internal wall of the stopper such that the internal wall defines a plurality of complimentary recesses that interlock between the plurality of threads or the projection, respectively
Implementation Method 2
The radially outward projection includes a plurality of threads that are oriented non-parallel with the breaker such that the actuator rotates about a central axis of the protrusion to drive the protrusion into the cavity of the stopper
Data Source
AI summary
A removal tool including a key. The key including an actuator including a handle. The handle extending a first direction. The key also including a protrusion defining a plurality of threads. The protrusion coupled with the actuator. The protrusion extending a second direction away from the handle. The first direction is non-parallel with the second direction. The removal tool also includes a removable cap defining an aperture centrally located therein. The removable cap is configured to operably couple with a neck of a bottle.