Pre-filled Disposable Container with Vacuum Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baby feeding bottles require mixing before use, lacking a pre-filled, sterile, and disposable container option for juices and other drinks.
Innovation Solution
A pre-filled disposable container with a rigid tubular body, flexible bag, cap, and base sealing element, featuring a vacuum aperture and annular retaining ring for sealing, allowing for pre-mixed drink storage and easy dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If baby feeding bottles are prepared immediately prior to use, then sterility and freshness are maintained, but mixing and preparation time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The container is pre-filled with sterile liquid contents and sealed before use. The base sealing element is pre-assembled in the first position that seals the bottom opening while leaving the vacuum aperture open, allowing the product to be manufactured and stored in ready-to-use sterile condition, eliminating the need for mixing and preparation at the point of use
2Ease of operation
If a pre-filled container is used, then convenience and sterility are improved, but manufacturing and sealing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is divided into two independent sealing functions: the base sealing element seals the bottom opening, and the cap seals the top opening with the dispensing aperture. This segmentation allows each sealing function to be independently designed and manufactured, reducing overall complexity while maintaining sterility and convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum aperture serves as an intermediary element that allows vacuum application during filling without requiring a complex sealed filling system. The aperture enables simple vacuum-based filling methods while the base sealing element provides the final seal, reducing manufacturing complexity
3Reliability
If a disposable container is used, then hygiene and safety are improved, but manufacturing cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses a flexible bag inner liner that can be efficiently manufactured using extrusion and forming processes. The flexible material allows for cost-effective production of disposable containers while maintaining hygiene through seamless construction that prevents contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bag is nested within the rigid outer container, creating a protective structure that enhances hygiene while allowing efficient packaging and shipping. This nested design reduces material usage and manufacturing complexity compared to single-wall containers, lowering overall production costs
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
Enables the sale of pre-mixed drinks in a sterile, disposable format that is inexpensive to manufacture and ensures safe temperature indication through a heat-sensitive strip, providing a convenient and safe feeding solution.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum aperture adjacent a bottom rim... In operation, a vacuum may be applied to the vacuum aperture to dispense the contents
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-filled disposable container has a rigid tubular body, a flexible bag positioned within the rigid tubular body, a cap, and a base sealing element. The rigid tubular body has an open-ended top and an open-ended bottom. The flexible bag has a top portion with a dispensing aperture, a bottom portion, and an outwardly extending annular flange. An annular retaining ring is adapted to lock the outwardly extending annular flange of the flexible bag against a top rim of the rigid tubular body. The cap is adapted to fit over the top portion of the flexible bag. A tear strip removably connects the cap and the annular retaining ring. The base sealing element is adapted to engage the open-ended bottom of the rigid tubular body to seal a vacuum aperture.