Shock-Absorbing Capsule Structure for Spill-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsules for liquids, powders, or emulsions are prone to inadvertent opening due to shock or abrupt handling, leading to spills, and are cumbersome to remove and replace.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design with shock-absorbing features and latching mechanisms that prevent inadvertent opening by counterbalancing inertia forces and include a dip tube integration for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the capsule uses a movable radially extending piston to seal the reservoir, then the capsule can be opened by pushing the piston, but the capsule is vulnerable to shock and abrupt handling causing inadvertent opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a stop that prevents the piston from moving in the direction opposite to the bottom direction before shock occurs. This stop counteracts the inertia force of the liquid that would otherwise cause the piston to move and break the seal during shock events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the stop as a counterbalancing element that provides an opposing force to the inertia force generated by the liquid during shock. The stop acts as a mechanical counterweight that prevents the piston from being displaced by the liquid's inertia during abrupt handling or dropping.
2Device complexity
If the capsule has no shock protection, then the structure remains simple, but the piston is displaced during shock causing seal breakdown and product leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The stop is integrated into the capsule structure as a simple preliminary anti-action element that prevents piston displacement in the critical direction before shock occurs, maintaining structural simplicity while improving reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If the capsule flange is thin and rests inside the neck, then the capsule fits compactly, but the capsule is cumbersome to remove and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capsule removal function by providing a protrusion that extends beyond the flange, creating a distinct grasping element separate from the flange itself. This allows users to easily grasp and remove the capsule without needing to manipulate the thin flange directly.
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
Prevents spills by absorbing shock and ensuring secure closure, while facilitating easy capsule replacement and integration with dispensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first one of the body and the piston includes shock absorbing features extending beyond the second one of said body and said piston in the bottom direction in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The piston, and especially the radially extending portion of the piston, is submitted to the inertia force of the liquid, powder or emulsion inside the capsule that is abruptly deaccelerated at the time of the shock
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule (1,10) including a body (13,113) and a piston (14,114) defining at least partially a reservoir (15,115) of the capsule, a first one of said body (13,113) and said piston (14,114) being displaceable relative to a second one of said body (13,113) and said piston (14,114) in a bottom direction (A) from a closed position to an open position, the capsule (1,100) including a stop (16,116) for preventing a displacement of the first one of said body (13,113) and said piston (14,114) relative to the second one of said body (13,113) and said piston (14,114) from the closed position in the direction opposite to the bottom direction (A), wherein the first one of the body (13,113) and the piston (14,114) includes shock absorbing features (17,117) extending beyond the second one of said body (13,113) and said piston (14,114) in the bottom direction (A) in the closed position.