Rattle spherical dispensing cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dosing caps for hygiene and health products, particularly for children and babies, lack a push-pull mechanism for measured dosing without removing the entire cap, and do not incorporate safety features to prevent disassembly by children, nor do they provide an appealing rattle function.

Innovation Solution

A spheroidal dosing cap with a push-pull mechanism and childproof assembly, featuring a threaded coupling that prevents rotation and includes acoustic elements for a rattle effect, manufactured in two hemispherical pieces for ease of assembly and safety, using polypropylene for aesthetic and recyclable properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional dispenser cap is used, then the cap can be easily opened and closed, but it does not provide measured dosing without removing the entire cap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing operationVSAvoidcap structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is divided into functional segments: a removable spheroidal cap portion and a base portion with push-pull mechanism. This segmentation allows the dosing function to be separated from the sealing function, enabling measured dosing while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The push-pull mechanism introduces dynamic movement within the cap structure. The plunger can move axially within the base portion to control product flow, providing measured dosing capability without requiring complete cap removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a standard cap design is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it is not childproof and allows children to manually open it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap manufacturingVSAvoidchild safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cap incorporates a preliminary anti-action mechanism where the plunger is spring-loaded to automatically return to the closed position after opening. This requires children to continuously apply force to keep it open, creating a safety barrier while maintaining simple manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The push-pull mechanism creates periodic action where the cap must be repeatedly pushed to open and automatically returns to closed position. This periodic motion requires sustained effort from children, providing childproof functionality without complex manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the cap allows easy opening by children, then it is easy to operate, but it exposes children to potential hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap openingVSAvoidchild hazard exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded plunger creates preliminary anti-action by automatically closing the opening after each opening action. This ensures that even if a child manages to open it, the hazardous opening state is temporary and self-correcting, reducing exposure time to hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Ease of operation

If the cap rotates freely on the container, then it is easy to position, but it prevents proper sealing and causes leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap positioningVSAvoidproduct containment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of allowing free rotation and then trying to achieve sealing, the inverted approach uses a threaded coupling mechanism that converts rotational motion into axial sealing pressure. The threads engage to prevent rotation while the threading action itself creates the sealing force, combining ease of positioning with reliable containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Facilitates safe and measured dosing without leakage, is difficult for children to disassemble, and provides an attractive rattle function while being lightweight and economical to manufacture.

Implementation Method 1

acoustic elements arranged within the hollow space of the lower hemispherical element... when the spherical dosing cap is shaken, the acoustic elements collide with each other and strike the outer wall of the first valve coupling plunger and the inner wall of the lower hemispherical element generating an acoustic effect corresponding to the sound of a baby's rattle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

threaded coupling of the inlet duct of the cap to the neck of the container... prevents rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

flow valve with sealing elements to prevent leakage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS10407221B2Rattle spherical dispensing cap

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 GRISI HNOS S A DE CV

AI summary

A spheroidal dosing cap using a push-pull mechanism which includes a flow valve coupled to a spheroidal main body comprising a lower hemispherical element and an upper hemispherical element joined together through coupling or joining means, wherein the upper hemispherical element comprises a valve opening/closing orifice in its dome and a plug of the flow valve is inserted in the valve opening/closing orifice to close the flow of the substance running through the valve flow; a coupling section comprising a helical flange on its inner wall through which the flow valve couples to the threaded nozzle of the container.