Snap-Fit Pump Fitment for Rapid Container Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump and container systems lack a method to attach and detach pumps quickly like crimp-on or pressure-type systems while allowing for pump removal and container recycling.

Innovation Solution

A snap-fitment system with a sloping skirt portion and thread guides that secure the pump to the container, enabling easy attachment and removal by twisting, and preventing reattachment after removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a crimp system or pressure-type pump fitment system is used to connect a pump to a container, then the attachment speed is improved, but the pump becomes permanently fixed and cannot be removed for recycling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment speedVSAvoidpump removability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fitment system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The snap-fit mechanism allows the pump to be quickly attached by pushing it onto the container neck, and then removed by twisting or pulling it off, enabling both rapid attachment and easy removal for recycling purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is divided into separable components: the pump with its fitment and the container with its neck. This segmentation allows the pump to be detached from the container, enabling independent recycling of each component while maintaining rapid attachment capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a screw-on pump system is used to connect a pump to a container, then the pump can be removed and reattached, but the attachment speed decreases and bottle breakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump removabilityVSAvoidattachment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a dynamic snap-fit connection that is faster than screwing but still allows removal. The fitment engages with the container neck through a quick-push motion and can be removed by twisting or pulling, providing both speed and removability without the complexity and fragility issues of screw-on systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a screw-on pump system is used to connect a pump to a container, then the pump can be removed and reattached, but the risk of bottle breakage during attachment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump removabilityVSAvoidbottle breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection method uses a gentle snap-fit mechanism that engages without the twisting and threading forces required by screw-on systems. This dynamic pushing motion reduces stress on the bottle neck, eliminating the risk of breakage while still allowing easy removal and reattachment of the pump.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8939327B2Pump and bottle fitments and methods for using the same

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 SILGAN DISPENSING SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

A pump and container connector fitment system (210) for retaining a pump (200) on a container (120) and allowing the pump to be removed through rotational forces from the container.