Spray Bottle Assembly with Segmented Storage for Shelf Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spray bottles face challenges in maintaining the chemical stability and shelf life of active constituents like pesticides and herbicides, as they are not chemically stable when mixed with passive constituents, leading to a short shelf life and complex, costly manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A spray bottle assembly with separate compartments for active and passive constituents, featuring a storage receptacle that isolates the active constituents from the passive ones until use, using a dispensing mechanism that prevents accidental mixing and facilitates efficient mixing at the time of first use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If active constituents are mixed with passive constituents in conventional spray bottles, then the formulation is ready for immediate use, but the chemical stability and shelf life of the active constituents deteriorate rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The spray bottle assembly is divided into separate compartments: a storage receptacle for active constituents and a container bottle for passive constituents. This segmentation prevents premature mixing while allowing both components to be stored together, thereby extending shelf life without compromising chemical stability until the moment of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage receptacle containing active constituents is nested within the container bottle that holds passive constituents. The storage receptacle is positioned such that it can be easily removed and coupled with the spray head, allowing on-demand mixing while maintaining separation during storage and transport.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate storage compartments are used for active and passive constituents, then chemical stability and shelf life are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into modular components (storage receptacle, container bottle, spray head) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This modularity simplifies the manufacturing process for each individual component while achieving the overall goal of separated storage, thereby reducing total device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage receptacle serves multiple functions: it stores active constituents, provides a coupling interface with the spray head, and can be easily removed for refilling or replacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
3Duration of action of moving object
If separate storage compartments are used for active and passive constituents, then shelf life is extended, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into pre-manufacturable modules (storage receptacle, container bottle, spray head), each component can be manufactured using standard processes and then assembled through simple coupling mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving extended shelf life.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage receptacle and container bottle are prepared separately with their respective constituents before final assembly. This preliminary preparation allows for efficient manufacturing and packaging processes, as components can be produced in advance and stored until needed, simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a dispensing mechanism is added to control mixing of constituents, then accidental mixing is prevented and chemical stability is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage receptacle is pre-positioned within the container bottle such that removal of the storage receptacle is the necessary first action before mixing can occur. This preliminary positioning acts as a simple mechanical control that prevents accidental mixing without requiring complex dispensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage receptacle itself acts as an intermediary element that controls the mixing process. By serving as both the storage container and the mixing trigger (through its removal and coupling with the spray head), it eliminates the need for separate complex dispensing mechanisms while maintaining chemical stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a spray bottle assembly (100) which provides separate compartments for containing two or more constituents of a formulation, thereby, preventing premixing of the constituents before the first use, hence, increasing shelf life in a hassle-free way. The spray bottle assembly (100) comprises a spray head (200) for discharging the constituents of a formulation stored in the spray bottle assembly (100), a container bottle (300) for storing a passive constituent of the formulation; a storage receptacle (400) coupled with the container bottle (300), wherein said storage receptacle (400) facilitates the storage of an active constituent of the formulation isolated from the passive constituent; and a dispensing means (500) integrated with the storage receptacle (400).