Refillable container
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pump-discharge liquid paper containers with a reversed gable-roof shaped bottom portion and flexible nozzles face issues with inconsistent nozzle deflection, leading to incomplete liquid discharge and nozzle misalignment, resulting in residual liquid in the container.
Innovation Solution
A refillable container design featuring a liquid inner container with a pyramid-shaped bottom portion and a support member that includes a pedestal and locking mechanism to ensure precise positioning of the suction tube, minimizing residual liquid through efficient liquid collection and discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is made flexible and abutted against the reversed gable-roof shaped bottom portion, then the nozzle can adapt to the container shape, but the deflection position varies leading to incomplete liquid discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bottom portion shape from reversed gable-roof to pyramid shape with a deepest portion at the center, and modifies the nozzle from flexible to rigid with a predetermined length. This parameter change ensures the distal end of the nozzle consistently reaches the deepest portion of the pyramid-shaped bottom, eliminating variable deflection positions while maintaining adaptability to the container geometry.
2Productivity
If the suction tube length is predetermined to reach the bottom, then liquid discharge is improved, but positioning accuracy varies due to repeated use and deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent preliminarily determines the suction tube length during manufacturing to match the container height, ensuring the distal end reaches the deepest portion of the pyramid-shaped bottom. The pyramid shape with its centralized deepest portion provides a consistent target position, and the rigid structure prevents deflection during repeated use, maintaining reliable positioning accuracy throughout the product lifecycle.
3Quantity of substance
If the bottom portion is formed into a pyramid shape, then liquid collection is enhanced, but the suction tube must be precisely positioned to the center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric pyramid-shaped bottom portions with a clearly defined deepest portion at the center, creating a unique geometric feature that guides suction tube placement. The asymmetric convergence of the pyramid walls toward the central deepest portion provides natural positioning cues, making it easier to achieve precise suction tube positioning during assembly while maximizing liquid collection efficiency.
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 container effectively minimizes residual liquid by ensuring the suction tube is accurately positioned within the pyramid-shaped bottom, enhancing the discharge efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge pump configured to discharge the liquid to an outside by sucking the liquid through a suction tube that is inserted, and through a through hole formed in a top surface portion of the lid member, into the liquid inner container through the suction port of the liquid inner container
Data Source
AI summary
A refillable container includes: an inner container having a suction port at a center of an upper surface portion and a bottom portion with a pyramid shape having a deepest portion at a center of the bottom portion; a support member configured to hold the bottom portion of the inner container to support the inner container in a standing state; a lid member fitted to an outer periphery of the inner container; a discharge pump on a top surface portion of the lid member, the discharge pump including a suction tube inserted through the suction port into the inner container; and a positioning device for positioning the inner container in a vertical direction such that a distal end of the suction tube is located in the pyramid shape of the bottom portion of the inner container.