Reusable container holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing issue of plastic waste, particularly from single-use plastic bottles, necessitates a reusable container solution to reduce landfill and incineration rates.
Innovation Solution
A reusable container holder designed with a locking and sealing assembly that securely holds recyclable cans, ensuring a fluid-tight interface and allowing easy access for pouring while facilitating recycling by locking and unlocking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a reusable container holder with locking and sealing assembly is used, then plastic waste is reduced through reuse and recycling, but the device complexity increases due to locking and sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The container holder is divided into separate functional modules: a housing assembly, a locking assembly with locking tabs and buttons, and a sealing assembly with a sealing ring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing of the reusable container system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tabs are positioned within the housing assembly and engage with the container rim, while the sealing ring is nested within the locking assembly. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be integrated in a compact manner, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reuse functionality.
2Reliability
If a locking assembly is used to secure the container, then reliability of liquid containment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to locking and unlocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are designed to automatically engage with the container rim when the container is placed in the holder, providing self-locking functionality. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically returns the locking tabs to the engaged position after unlocking, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and simplifying operation while maintaining secure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple mechanical elements such as spring-loaded buttons and tab engagement rather than complex multi-component systems. This mechanical substitution provides reliable locking through basic physics principles, ensuring liquid containment while keeping the operation straightforward.
3Reliability
If a sealing assembly is used to ensure fluid-tight interface, then reliability of leak-proof storage is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sealing components
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly utilizes a flexible sealing ring that can deform to conform to the container rim surface, creating a fluid-tight interface. This flexible film approach provides reliable leak-proof storage while requiring minimal structural complexity compared to rigid sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is made from elastomeric material that combines flexibility, durability, and sealing properties. This composite material solution achieves reliable fluid-tight containment through material properties rather than complex mechanical structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If a removable top cap is used for pouring access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of liquid containment deteriorates when the cap is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is engaged before removing the top cap, securing the container body to the holder. This preliminary locking action ensures that when the cap is removed for pouring, the container remains securely positioned and contained within the holder, maintaining liquid containment reliability while allowing easy pouring access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fully closed state (cap on, locking engaged) to an open pouring state (cap removed, container secured in holder). The dynamic design allows the container to be securely held in the holder during pouring operations, maintaining liquid containment through the locking mechanism even when the cap is removed for ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable container holder is provided. In some embodiments, the container includes a recyclable can and the holder includes a housing in which the can is held. The assembly also includes a locking assembly designed to lock the can within the holder until intentionally removed, and a sealing assembly designed to ensure that the interface between the can (when opened) and the holder is fluid-tight. In use, a can of fluid (e.g., liquid detergent) is first opened and then inserted into the reusable container holder. Once placed in its proper position within the holder, the can is automatically locked and sealed in place. The holder includes a removable top cap that once removed allows the fluid from the can to be poured. When the can is empty, the can is release from the holder so that a new can may be inserted.