Spout with Multi-Configuration Final Zone to Reduce Production Costs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spouts are often specific to particular applications and container types, leading to high production costs, limited versatility, safety concerns, and difficulties in quality control due to the need for multiple spout variants and potential misuse when used with unintended contents or containers.

Innovation Solution

A spout design featuring a spout body and counterpart with two interchangeable configurations, including a final configuration stopper that provides physical resistance to secure the spout in place, allowing it to fit multiple receptacles and applications, enhancing safety and quality control by ensuring correct configuration usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different spouts are produced for each different application, then the suitability for specific applications is improved, but the production cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for specific applicationsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spout is designed with a universal structure that can function with multiple different receptacles and container types through a single design. The spout body and spout counterpart can be spatially arranged in different configurations to accommodate various applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized spout variants and thereby reducing production costs while maintaining application-specific suitability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different spouts are produced for each different application, then the suitability for specific applications is improved, but the spout replacement difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for specific applicationsVSAvoidspout replacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The universal spout design allows a single spout type to replace multiple application-specific spouts. The ability to spatially arrange the spout body and spout counterpart in different configurations enables one spout to serve multiple functions, making replacement easier since the same spout design can be used across different applications rather than requiring specialized replacement parts for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single type of spout is used on a variety of containers, then the production cost is reduced, but the safety and quality control worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidsafety and quality control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spout incorporates dynamic configurability through the spatial arrangement of the spout body and spout counterpart, which can be positioned in different configurations depending on the application. This dynamic adaptability allows a single spout design to maintain safety and quality control for different container types by adjusting its configuration, rather than relying on a fixed single-purpose design that would compromise either safety or production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If spouts are made manipulatable for different applications, then the adaptability is improved, but the safety and misuse risk worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for different applicationsVSAvoidmisuse and accident risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spout is divided into distinct segments - the spout body and the spout counterpart - that can be spatially arranged in different configurations. This segmentation allows controlled adaptability where each segment can be positioned appropriately for different applications while maintaining overall system integrity. The modular design enables legitimate reconfiguration for different uses while preventing unauthorized manipulation that could lead to misuse or accidents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3655338B1Spout with final zone

Publication Date: 2023.03.01 SMIXIN

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~11

AI summary

A spout for a container comprises a spout body (1) and a spout counterpart (2, 2b). The spout body comprises a first zone (4), and the spout counterpart comprises a final zone (6). The spout body and the spout counterpart are arrangeable in a final position of the spout, with the first zone interacting with the final zone. In said final position, an outlet opening (7) arranged on the spout is open. A final configuration stopper (20) is provided. The final zone (6) features a first subzone (11) and a second subzone (12), allowing the spout to be arranged in its final position in two different, angularly offset configurations, wherein a reference subzone (10) is arranged to interact either with the first subzone (11) or with the second subzone (12). The final configuration stopper provides physical resistance against a movement of the reference subzone (10) from one subzone to another.