Pill Shelf Flip Cap Closure for Controlled Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensing products, especially pills, from containers with narrow openings can be difficult due to the need for pouring and requires access near the top, which is not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with a lid and body portion featuring a primary dispensing opening, a shelf area adjacent to the opening, and a secondary dispensing opening above it, allowing pills to be deposited on the shelf even when the lid is closed, with features like slots or holes to prevent pills from falling and a friction-locking mechanism for airtight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the container has a narrow opening, then the container structure is compact, but product dispensing becomes difficult and requires pouring
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into separate functional components: a lid portion that can be opened, a body portion with a shelf area, and a dispensing opening. This segmentation allows the container to maintain a compact form while providing easy access to products through the dispensing opening and shelf area where products can be easily retrieved.
2Quantity of substance
If the product is not near the top of the container, then storage capacity is maximized, but product retrieval becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A shelf area is introduced as an intermediary structure between the container bottom and the dispensing opening. This shelf provides a platform where dispensed products can rest and be easily accessed, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between deep storage capacity and easy product retrieval at the top opening.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is opened for dispensing, then product access is easy, but airtight sealing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with dynamic opening capabilities through a hinge connection that allows the lid to be opened to different degrees. This enables the lid to transition between fully closed (maintaining airtight seal) and partially open positions (allowing product access), resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and access ease.
4Reliability
If slots or holes are added to prevent pills from falling, then product retention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf area incorporates a porous structure with slots or holes that allow light and air passage while physically retaining pills and preventing them from falling through. This porous design achieves reliable product retention while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through standard molding techniques.
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
Facilitates easy dispensing of pills and other products by allowing them to be deposited on a shelf area, providing controlled access and an airtight seal, reducing material and weight while ensuring pills do not fall through openings.
Implementation Method 1
The body portion can be connected to the lid via a hinge
Implementation Method 2
a friction-locking mechanism for airtight sealing
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed aspects relate to a closure that includes a lid and a body portion operatively attached to the lid. The closure can include a primary dispensing opening in the body portion and a shelf area adjacent to the primary dispensing opening, wherein the shelf area is configured to hold dispensed product. The closure can also include a secondary dispensing opening above the shelf area and the primary dispensing opening.