Reconfigurable Container-Closure System for Ingredient Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-compartment container systems fail to effectively protect ingredients from degradation until the time of first use, leading to unnecessary excess ingredients and potential chemical reactions that can be detrimental to product quality.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable container-closure system comprising two containers and closures that allow for separation and mixing of products only upon user activation, where the second reservoir becomes attached to the first container when the second closure is screwed onto it, enabling mixing and ensuring that both products remain separate until use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-compartment container systems are used to separate ingredients, then ingredient degradation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the container into multiple compartments (first container with first product, second container with second product) that can be separately sealed and stored. This segmentation allows each ingredient to be protected independently in its own compartment, preventing degradation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The second container is nested within or associated with the first container system, and the second reservoir is initially associated with the second closure. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage of multiple ingredients in a space-efficient manner while maintaining separate containment, thus improving ingredient stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If excess ingredients are included to compensate for degradation, then product efficacy is maintained, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary protection action by sealing each ingredient in its own compartment before use. The first closure seals the first container and the second closure seals the second container, preventing degradation from occurring in the first place. This eliminates the need to add excess ingredients as a compensatory measure, thereby maintaining product efficacy without increasing ingredient waste.
3Reliability
If ingredients are kept separate until use, then chemical reactions are prevented, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides for merging of the previously separate compartments at the time of use. The second reservoir becomes attached to the first container when the second closure is made to form a fluid tight seal with the first container, enabling the second product to mix with the first product. This automated merging process through closure assembly simplifies the mixing operation while maintaining product quality by keeping ingredients separate until the moment of combination.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable container-closure system is comprised of first and second containers and first and second closures. The container-closure system can assume either of two configurations. First configuration means that the first closure (12) is secured to the first container (10), and the second closure (112) is secured to the second container (110). Also, an orifice reducer (113), cartridge (114) and sleeve (115) are all attached to the second closure (112), and two products are separated. Second configuration means that the second closure (112) is secured to the first container (10), and the first closure (12) is secured to the second container (110). Also, the orifice reducer (113), cartridge (114) and sleeve (115) are all attached to the first container (10), and two products are allowed to mix and be dispensed. The transfer is accomplished by a user who simply screws the second closure onto the first container (10).