Piston Anti-Backflow Bottle Cap With Tamper-Evident Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bottle caps lack effective anti-theft and anti-backflow mechanisms, failing to meet consumer demands for secure and controlled fluid dispensing.

Innovation Solution

A separate bottle cap design comprising a bottle body connector, outer cap, anti-backflow assembly, and inner cap, featuring a piston anti-backflow water blocking member and water sealing connector, with snap rings and anti-theft rings for secure locking and controlled fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional bottle cap is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks effective anti-theft and anti-backflow mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-theft and anti-backflow functionVSAvoidbottle cap structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bottle cap is divided into multiple functional components: an outer cap for anti-theft protection, an inner cap for sealing, and a piston assembly for anti-backflow control. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex anti-theft and anti-backflow requirements to be met through modular design while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner cap is nested within the outer cap, and the piston assembly is nested within the inner cap. This nested structure allows multiple functional elements to be integrated in a compact arrangement, achieving anti-theft, sealing, and anti-backflow functions without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a piston anti-backflow assembly is added, then fluid flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid dispensing controlVSAvoidbottle cap structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston assembly is designed to move dynamically within the inner cap in response to fluid pressure changes. During normal dispensing, the piston moves to allow flow; during backflow conditions, the piston automatically shifts to block the flow path. This dynamic response provides effective fluid control without requiring complex external actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The piston anti-backflow assembly operates automatically based on fluid pressure differential. When backflow occurs, the pressure difference drives the piston to the blocking position without external intervention. This self-regulating mechanism simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for sensors, actuators, or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple locking mechanisms are added for anti-theft protection, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-theft protectionVSAvoidopening and closing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer cap features pre-formed tearing lines that guide the opening action. When the cap is opened, these lines provide a predetermined path for separation, making the opening process intuitive and easy to perform. The anti-theft ring is also pre-positioned to engage with the bottle neck, ensuring security is maintained until intentional opening occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-theft ring is designed as a disposable component that remains attached to the cap after opening. This simple, low-cost element provides effective anti-theft protection by clearly indicating whether the cap has been opened, without requiring complex reversible locking mechanisms that would complicate operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4291503B1Anti-refill bottle cap
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA
  • EP4291503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4291503B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4291503B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A separate bottle cap comprising a bottle body connector (1), an outer cap (2), an anti-backflow assembly (3) and an inner cap (4), wherein the bottle body connector (1) is a hollow cylinder, a lower end thereof is fit and connected to a bottle body, the anti-backflow assembly (3) is provided between the bottle body connector (1) and the inner cap (4), a lower end of the outer cap (2) is sleeved on the anti-backflow assembly (3) and locks an inner wall of the bottle body connector (1), and the outer cap (2) is provided on the inner cap (4), wherein the anti-backflow assembly (3) comprises a piston anti- backflow water blocking member (31) and a water sealing connector (32), and the piston anti-backflow water blocking member (31) is movably connected with the water sealing connector (32).