Sealing Pin and Striker Mechanism for Fluid Container Hygiene
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-dose containers made of flexible materials face challenges in securing a seal after the breakable closure is removed, compromising hygiene and leading to potential contamination and litter due to the detached element.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing package assembly comprising a first element to partially enclose the container and a second element to seal the dispenser, featuring a sealing pin and striker to automate perforation and ensure airtight closure without user contact, allowing resealing and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the breakable closure is removed and repositioned on the dispenser, then the dispenser can be resealed for later use, but the sealing reliability deteriorates because the flexible material makes it difficult to ensure a secure seal
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the dispenser and the closure. This sealing element includes a sealing surface that interfaces with the dispenser's flexible material, providing a reliable seal even when the dispenser material deforms. The sealing element remains in place on the dispenser while the closure is removed and repositioned, maintaining sealing reliability throughout multiple use cycles.
2Ease of operation
If the breakable closure is removed with fingers, then the dispenser can be accessed, but hygiene deteriorates because the dispenser becomes contaminated by foreign material residues
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element acts as a protective intermediary between the user's fingers and the dispenser. Users interact with the sealing element and closure rather than directly touching the dispenser's opening area. The sealing element can be designed with a larger surface area that is easier to handle, keeping fingers away from potential contamination zones on the dispenser.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to be self-contained with integrated sealing functionality. The closure itself provides the sealing action when repositioned, eliminating the need for users to manually seal the dispenser and reducing direct contact with potential contamination areas.
3Ease of operation
If the breakable element is detached and disposed of, then the single-dose container can be used, but environmental harm increases due to litter from the detached element
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is merged with the dispenser structure, creating a permanent attachment that remains on the dispenser after the closure is removed. This integration ensures that the sealing component is not lost or discarded separately, reducing litter. The closure element can then be fully removed and disposed of without leaving behind smaller sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the closure element to be completely removed and discarded after use, while the sealing element remains on the dispenser for potential reuse or proper disposal with the main container. This separation enables the valuable sealing component to be retained while only the necessary closure is discarded, reducing overall waste.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a set made up of a container for a fluid and of a dispensing packaging able to accept and envelop said container, at least partially, said container comprising a dispenser and at least one flexible wall, the container being designed to disperse said fluid using the dispenser by deforming said at least one flexible wall, the dispensing packaging being designed so that at least part of said at least one flexible wall is accessible from outside said dispensing packaging when the container is housed inside said dispensing packaging.