Pivoting Cap Container With Removable Nozzle for Leak-Free Refilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it inconvenient to refill containers as they often need to unscrew lids and there is a risk of leakage if the lid is not tightly sealed.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a nozzle piece and cap piece that pivot between open and closed positions, allowing for controlled fluid flow through a smaller opening, preventing leaks and simplifying refilling by allowing the nozzle piece to be removed and reinserted without unscrewing the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is completely sealed to prevent leakage, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the user must unscrew the lid to refill
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into separate functional components: a body with opening, a lid with sealing elements, and a nozzle piece with a smaller dispensing opening. This segmentation allows the lid to remain sealed for leak prevention while the nozzle piece can be independently removed for refilling, resolving the contradiction between reliable sealing and easy refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle piece acts as an intermediary element between the lid's sealing function and the refilling need. It provides a controlled opening for dispensing and refilling while the lid maintains its sealed position, allowing both leak prevention and convenient refilling operations to occur simultaneously through different components.
2Productivity
If the lid opening is made smaller to control dispensing, then productivity is improved through controlled flow, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The opening system is segmented into two distinct openings: a larger opening in the lid for refilling access and a smaller opening in the nozzle piece for controlled dispensing. This segmentation allows each opening to be optimized for its specific function - the larger opening facilitates easy refilling while the smaller opening provides controlled productivity during dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle piece is designed to be movable relative to the lid, allowing it to pivot between a closed position (sealing the smaller opening for controlled dispensing) and an open position (allowing access for refilling). This dynamic configuration enables the system to switch between controlled productivity and ease of operation as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A container (100) includes a body (110) defining an internal volume and a first opening (112) that provides a path of fluid communication between the internal volume and an exterior of the body. A nozzle piece (120) is positioned at least partially within the opening in the body. The nozzle piece defines a second opening (126) that is smaller than the first opening in the body. A cap piece (130) is integral with the body. The cap piece is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position via a hinge (132) that is positioned between the body and the cap piece. Fluid flow is permitted through the second opening in the nozzle piece when the cap piece is in the open position, and the cap piece prevents fluid flow through the second opening in the nozzle piece when the cap piece is in the closed position.