Rotating Lid Mixing Container with Semi-Permeable Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for selective mixing of materials face challenges in safely and efficiently managing the release of gases that occur when materials mix, as they often lead to leakage and inefficient gas management.
Innovation Solution
The container design includes a base with multiple cavities separated by a seal, a rotating lid with a cutter to puncture the seal, and a semi-permeable membrane to allow gas escape while retaining materials, featuring a retaining clip and sealing track for secure closure, enabling controlled mixing and gas release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a seal is used to separate cavities containing materials, then material retention is improved, but gas release becomes difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into multiple functional components: a cutter element that punctures the seal, a membrane element that selectively allows gas passage while retaining materials, and a sealing track. This segmentation enables independent optimization of material retention and gas release functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A membrane element is introduced as an intermediary between the sealed cavities and the external environment. This membrane selectively permits gas molecules to pass through while blocking larger material particles, thereby managing gas release without compromising material retention.
2Ease of operation
If a cutter is used to puncture the seal for mixing, then material intermixing is enabled, but seal integrity and material retention are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter element is designed to puncture the seal only when the lid is rotated to a specific predetermined position. This preliminary positioning ensures that the seal is intact during storage and transport, and only breached when mixing is intentionally initiated by rotating the lid to the correct orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane element serves as a mediator that remains intact during normal operation but allows mixing to occur when the cutter punctures the seal. The membrane maintains seal integrity until mixing is initiated, then enables controlled gas release during the mixing process.
3Ease of operation
If the lid rotates to puncture the seal, then mixing is achieved, but premature or inadvertent opening becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The lid and base incorporate asymmetric alignment features including a key on the lid that must fit into a corresponding keyway on the base at a specific rotational position. This asymmetric design prevents premature activation by ensuring the cutter only aligns with the seal when the lid is rotated to the predetermined correct position, providing tamper resistance while enabling intentional mixing.
4Reliability
If retaining clips are used to secure the lid to base, then closure integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clips are designed to automatically engage with retention slots when the lid is rotated to the correct position and compressed against the base. This self-service mechanism provides secure closure without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly steps, achieving reliable closure while minimizing structural complexity.
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 design ensures safe and efficient mixing of materials by allowing controlled intermixing and gas release, preventing leakage and enhancing material retention, while also providing a tamper-resistant and automated filling capability.
Implementation Method 1
A semi-permeable membrane may help to restrain powder or small materials while still selectively allowing gasses to escape.
Implementation Method 2
The lid is configured to rotate with respect to the base and puncture the seal so as to allow intermixing of the plurality of materials.
Implementation Method 3
the peripheral wall of the base and the lid may include a retaining ledge and a retaining clip configured to extend over the retaining ledge so as to hold the base and lid together.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained generator/fumigator and delivery system is described herein that provides for sealed containment to store, isolate and protect two or more solid and/or liquid reactants in separate chambers. Upon activation, the container facilitates robust mixing of the reactants, the containment thereof and allows the release of a pre-determined amount of gaseous products, e.g., chlorine dioxide, carbon dioxide and others, into a targeted volume of water, air or other solution.