Refillable Mastic Cartridge with Segmented Flexible Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mastic cartridges are designed for one-way use, leading to significant waste due to residual mastic medium, which increases storage space and carbon footprint, especially in remote locations like construction sites and offshore platforms.
Innovation Solution
A refillable mastic cartridge system with a rigid head part and refillable chambers, equipped with an Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) element for automated tracking and a dispenser and filling station that communicate with the cartridge to optimize refilling and reduce waste, featuring alignment members to prevent mixing of components and flexible films to minimize leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional one-way use cartridges are used, then the cartridge is simple and reliable, but significant waste is generated due to residual mastic medium
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into a reusable rigid head part and replaceable flexible chambers. The head part contains the dispensing mechanism and remains on the dispenser, while chambers can be removed and replaced when empty, allowing the mastic medium to be fully utilized without residue waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible chamber is designed to be discarded after use while the rigid head part is recovered and reused. This allows the expensive dispensing mechanism to be retained while only the consumable chamber is replaced, reducing overall waste.
2Volume of stationary object
If refillable cartridges are implemented, then storage space and carbon footprint are reduced, but the cartridge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid head part serves multiple functions: it houses the dispensing mechanism, provides structural support, and interfaces with the dispenser. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system despite the refillable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible chamber is designed to nest within or attach to the rigid head part, creating a compact integrated structure when assembled. This nesting approach minimizes storage space while maintaining the refillable capability.
3Reliability
If multiple components are stored in separate chambers, then mixing is prevented, but the cartridge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is segmented into separate chambers for different components, with each chamber independently sealed. This physical separation ensures that components cannot mix before dispensing, maintaining reliability while using simple individual chamber structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separate chambers are combined with a single rigid head part and integrated dispensing mechanism. This merging approach allows separate component storage while maintaining a unified, manageable cartridge structure rather than requiring completely separate systems for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A refillable mastic cartridge for a mastic medium to be dispensed includes a rigid head part having a dispensing outlet, and a mastic cartridge chamber configured to store a component of the mastic medium to be dispensed from the mastic cartridge via the dispensing outlet.