Removable Attachment System for Dispensing Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing fixing system for dispensing members, such as pumps or valves, is difficult to dismantle without damaging the ring, sleeve, or neck, making it unsuitable for applications where removal is necessary, such as refilling or recycling, and requires additional parts or complex indexing during assembly.

Innovation Solution

The locking sleeve is designed with movable locking and unlocking sectors that allow for pure rotary displacement, enabling disassembly without additional parts and simplifying the assembly process by being produced in one piece with breakable bridges for indexing, ensuring secure locking in the disassembly position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking sleeve is used to secure the dispensing member to the reservoir neck, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddisassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking sleeve is segmented into distinct locking sectors and unlocking sectors. The locking sectors engage with the fixing ring to secure the connection, while the unlocking sectors provide clearance to allow disengagement. This segmentation enables the sleeve to perform both secure locking and easy unlocking functions within a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the locking sleeve is made with high tensile strength to prevent accidental disengagement, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking sleeve exhibits local quality differences through its locking and unlocking sectors. The locking sectors provide high strength engagement with the fixing ring, while the unlocking sectors create localized clearance zones. This allows the overall structure to maintain high strength where needed while providing easy release paths where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If indexing mechanisms are added to ensure proper orientation of the locking sleeve, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking and unlocking sectors are arranged in an asymmetric pattern around the locking sleeve. This asymmetric arrangement provides inherent orientation guidance during assembly, ensuring the sleeve is positioned correctly relative to the fixing ring without requiring additional indexing mechanisms or complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Reliability

If the locking sleeve is designed to be completely secure and irreversible, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking sleeve transitions from a static, irreversible design to a dynamic system that can switch between locked and unlocked states. The presence of both locking and unlocking sectors enables the connection to be securely established when needed while allowing for controlled disengagement and reuse, providing adaptability for refilling and recycling applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution allows for easy and industrial-scale removal of the dispensing assembly from the reservoir without damage, preventing reassembly, and simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process, enhancing usability and recyclability.

Implementation Method 1

The locking sectors come into engagement with the lugs to block them around the neck

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

it is necessary for the skirt of the ring to be able to deform radially outward during the passage of the neck reinforcement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2459317B1Removable attachment system
Publication Date: 2013.05.29 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP2459317B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2459317B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2459317B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an attachment system (1, 2) for removably attaching a dispensing member (3) onto a container neck (4), the system including: an attachment ring (1) that includes flexible axial tabs (16) capable of attaching around the tank neck (4), the tabs (16) being separated by axial slots (18); a locking sleeve (2) placed around the attachment ring (1) so as to engagingly lock the tabs around the neck (4), characterized in that the sleeve (2) forms a plurality of locking areas (26) for engaging with the tabs (16) so as to lock the latter around the neck (4); and a plurality of locking areas (28) not contacting the ring (1), the sleeve (2) being movable about the ring (1) between a mounting position, in which the locking areas (26) engage with the tabs (16), and a removal position, in which the locking areas (26) are located in the slots (18) so as to enable the tabs to deform in order to be freed from the neck (4).