Returnable Bottle Security Valve With Coded Tamper-Proof Collar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing returnable bottles lack a tamper-proof mechanism, leading to issues such as contamination, unauthorized refilling, theft, and environmental waste, as well as a lack of traceability and compatibility with existing dispensers.

Innovation Solution

A security valve with an automatic actuator, manual actuator, or without an actuator, featuring a tamper-proof mechanism and a bottle collar with a unique opening code, ensuring secure closure and traceability, compatible with existing bottles and dispensers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a disposable closure is used, then the bottle can be easily disposed of after use, but the container cannot be reused and generates plastic waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disposalVSAvoidplastic waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into two segments: a disposable outer cap and a reusable inner valve assembly. The outer cap can be easily removed and discarded, while the inner valve remains in the bottle for reuse, separating the disposable and reusable functions into distinct components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a system where the outer cap is discarded after single use, but the inner valve assembly is recovered and reused in the returnable bottle. This allows the bottle to be refilled and reused multiple times while still maintaining easy disposal of the outer packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If a reusable valve is used, then the bottle can be returned and reused, but the valve must remain securely closed to prevent contamination and unauthorized refilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against contaminationVSAvoidease of opening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is pre-configured with a security seal and locking mechanism that must be activated by a specific action (insertion of a tool or code entry) before opening. This preliminary security measure ensures the valve remains securely closed during transport and storage, preventing contamination and unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary tool or mechanism is introduced to open the valve. Instead of directly opening the valve, a specific tool or code must be used to activate the opening mechanism, providing an additional layer of security while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a tamper-proof mechanism is added, then unauthorized refilling is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper-proof securityVSAvoidvalve mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: sealing, locking, opening, and providing tamper evidence. By integrating these functions into a single unified mechanism rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive security features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve includes self-indicating features such as tamper evidence seals and position indicators that automatically show the valve's state without requiring external monitoring. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional complex monitoring systems while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of information

If a unique opening code is implemented, then traceability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetraceabilityVSAvoidopening process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The opening code mechanism replaces complex mechanical combinations with a simpler input method, such as entering a code via a digital interface or using a magnetic card. This substitution maintains traceability through code verification while significantly simplifying the user interaction compared to manual mechanical key systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12460741B2Safety valve for returnable bottle, bottle collar and process for plugging a returnable bottle

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 SIDES R&D URUGUAY SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a security valve designed to be used in returnable bottles, a bottle collar to be applied thereto and a process for plugging a returnable bottle. The bottles may be of the type that is used in dispensers or may be returnable with manual discharge or by other means.The contents of the bottles may be for human ingestion or any other non-drinkable liquids such as chemicals, caustics, or liquid fuels.The security valve includes four implementation versions: a) with an automatic actuator; b) with manual actuator; c) an actuator-fee valve and d) a compact valve.