Movable Sealing Structure for Liquid Refill Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refill systems for liquids face challenges in maintaining effective sealing within confined spaces, particularly due to accidental displacement by liquid pressure and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A refill system with a movable sealing structure that is biased by elastic elements and held within the container structure, featuring a container seal with clearance holes and a locking mechanism to ensure liquid-tight contact and prevent accidental opening, combined with a cone-shaped enclosure for increased stability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sealing structure is made movable to enable refilling, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental displacement by liquid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a locking mechanism that preemptively counteracts the harmful effect of liquid pressure. The locking element engages with the container structure to prevent the sealing structure from being accidentally displaced by liquid pressure before such displacement can occur, thus maintaining sealing reliability while preserving operational ease.
2Reliability
If the sealing structure is held inside the container structure to prevent accidental displacement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional containment structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the containment function with the existing container structure by integrating the outer wall as part of the container enclosure. This combination allows the sealing structure to be held inside without requiring separate containment components, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding additional complexity.
3Reliability
If the container seal is biased against the wall by elastic elements to ensure liquid-tight contact, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional elastic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the elastic element's inherent property to automatically bias the container seal against the wall. The elastic element self-generates the necessary contact force through its elasticity, ensuring liquid-tight contact without requiring external actuation or additional control mechanisms, thus improving reliability while minimizing added complexity.
4Device complexity
If the sealing structure is made compact to fit confined spaces, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the sealing functions in the localized region where the refill opening exists. The sealing structure is positioned and configured specifically at this critical location with enhanced sealing features (container seal biased by elastic element, locking mechanism), allowing the rest of the container to maintain a simple compact design while ensuring reliable leakage prevention at the refill point.
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
The system provides enhanced sealing reliability, reduced risk of accidental opening, and efficient refilling with a two-step safety mechanism, ensuring liquid-tightness and ease of assembly while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the container seal is biased against the wall with the refill opening from the container structure by means of at least one elastic element
Data Source
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AI summary
Refill system (1) comprising a container structure (3), having a wall (9) with a refill opening (11), and a sealing structure (25), wherein the sealing structure (25) is held by the container structure (3) movably along the wall (9) with the refill opening (11) and is movable between a first position, which closes the refill opening (11), and a second position, which opens the refill opening (11).