Refillable Dispensing Container Segmentation for Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing containers face challenges in easy replacement and recycling, leading to waste due to leftover content and complex refill container designs that increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A refillable dispensing container design that includes an outer container, an inner container, a holder, an inner cap, and a pump module, allowing for easy replacement and recycling of the refill container while minimizing leftover content and maintaining high performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refill container is given a more complicated composition to ensure proper mounting and high performance, then the performance of the dispensing container is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The refill container is divided into distinct functional components: the inner container for holding content, the holder for structural support and positioning, and the refill cap for sealing and refilling operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining high performance while simplifying the overall design and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is nested within the holder, creating a compact integrated structure. This nesting arrangement allows the refill container to maintain a simple external form while incorporating multiple functional elements inside, thereby achieving high performance without increasing external complexity or manufacturing cost
2Ease of manufacture
If the refill container is designed with a simple composition to reduce manufacturing cost, then resources are saved, but the mounting becomes difficult and performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the refill container into standardized components (inner container, holder, refill cap), each part can be manufactured independently using simple, cost-effective processes. The segmented design also enables easy assembly and disassembly, making mounting straightforward without requiring complex tools or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with a universal structure that serves multiple functions: structural support, positioning guidance for easy mounting, and integration with the dispensing mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a simple, cost-effective design to achieve reliable mounting and high performance simultaneously
3Ease of manufacture
If the entire container is manufactured from the same material to facilitate recycling, then recycling convenience is improved, but the ability to use different materials for optimal performance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into the outer container and the refill container (comprising inner container, holder, and refill cap), which can be separated for recycling. This segmentation allows the outer container to be made from recyclable materials while the refill container can use optimized materials for performance, and both can be recycled through appropriate channels
Solution Approach 2:
The refill container components (inner container, holder, refill cap) are designed to be made from the same or compatible materials, creating a homogeneous refill unit that can be easily recycled together. This homogeneity within the refill container maintains recycling convenience while allowing the overall system to benefit from material optimization
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 solution enables convenient recycling and easy replacement of the refill container, reduces waste by ensuring complete use of the content, and maintains high performance of the dispensing container.
Implementation Method 1
the pump module includes an elastic member to elastically support the button in relation to the inner cap
Implementation Method 2
the pump module is configured to dispense a content stored in the storage space out of the dispensing hole when the button is pressed
Data Source
AI summary
A refillable dispensing container and a refill container are disclosed. The refillable dispensing container includes: an outer container having an open top and a holding space; an inner container having an open top and inserted within the holding space; a holder that includes a holder body and a support protrusion; an inner cap which has a cap channel and is configured to be detachably coupled to the open top of the outer container; a shoulder having a through-hole and coupled to an outer side of the inner cap; a button having a dispensing hole and coupled to the through-hole of the shoulder such that the button is movable along a vertical direction; and a pump module arranged adjacently to the holder channel and the cap channel, where the pump module is configured to dispense a content out of the dispensing hole when the button is pressed.