Spray Bottle Refill Docking for Fast Leak-Free Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refilling spray bottles is a time-intensive and cumbersome process, with existing solutions not being satisfactory in addressing this issue effectively.
Innovation Solution
A satellite spray bottle and refill system that includes a spray bottle with a container housing, a spray head, a mounting structure, and a refill inlet, paired with a refill station featuring a support structure and a discharge outlet, allowing for automatic docking and fluid connection, enabling efficient refilling through a horizontal approach and dismounting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual refilling of spray bottles is performed, then the refilling process can be completed, but it is time-intensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The spray bottle system performs self-refilling by automatically docking with the refill station and establishing fluid connections without human intervention. The bottle's mounting structure and refill inlet are designed to automatically align and connect with the station's support structure and discharge outlet, enabling the bottle to refill itself when placed in the station.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill station prepositions the discharge outlet and fluid pathways in advance, so that when the spray bottle is docked, the fluid connection is immediately established. The system prepares the refilling condition beforehand by having the discharge outlet positioned and the fluid pathway ready, eliminating the need for manual connection during the refilling process.
2Extent of automation
If automatic docking is implemented, then refilling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic docking system is divided into separate functional components: the mounting structure on the bottle, the support structure on the station, the refill inlet, and the discharge outlet. Each component is independently designed and can be manufactured separately, then assembled into the complete system. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single component while achieving the overall automation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure and support structure serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the bottle, enable automatic positioning during docking, and facilitate the establishment of fluid connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation capability.
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
The system significantly reduces the time and effort required for refilling spray bottles by facilitating automatic fluid connection and easy docking, ensuring efficient refilling without leakage or air entrainment, and allowing for secure stance and space-efficient storage.
Implementation Method 1
the refill inlet of the spray bottle and the discharge outlet of the refill station are automatically docked establishing a fluid connection
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite spray bottle use and refill system includes a spray bottle and a refill station. The spray bottle includes a container housing that defines an internal reservoir space, a spray head connected to an upper margin of the container housing, a mounting structure connected to the container housing, and a refill inlet in fluid connection with the internal reservoir space. The refill station has a support structure for supporting the mounting structure of the spray bottle, and a discharge outlet for refilling the internal reservoir space of the spray bottle. Upon engagement of the mounting structure of the spray bottle with the support structure of the refill station, the refill inlet of the spray bottle and the discharge outlet of the refill station are automatically docked establishing a fluid connection. In some cases, the refill station is vertically invertible.