Twin Chamber Beverage Closure for Additive Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for beverage containers are limited in their ability to store and mix two separate additive fluids or liquids, as they typically have a single fluid chamber, which is not suitable for applications requiring separate storage before mixing.
Innovation Solution
A twin tank closure device with a cap member and housing that includes two fluid chambers, allowing the first fluid chamber to pressurize and flow into the second fluid chamber upon lifting, enabling the mixing of two separate additives and their introduction into the main container compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fluid chamber is used in the closure device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to store and mix two separate additive fluids is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into two separate fluid chambers (first fluid chamber and second fluid chamber), each capable of storing a different additive fluid. This segmentation allows the device to handle multiple additives independently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first fluid chamber is positioned within the housing that contains the second fluid chamber, creating a nested arrangement. This nesting strategy allows two fluid storage spaces to coexist in a compact configuration, improving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If two fluid chambers are implemented, then separate storage of additives is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into two separate fluid chambers (first fluid chamber and second fluid chamber), each capable of storing a different additive fluid. This segmentation allows the device to handle multiple additives independently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Both fluid chambers share a common outlet that opens into the beverage container, and both are actuated by the same cap lifting mechanism. This merging of outlet and actuation systems reduces the overall complexity compared to having completely separate discharge mechanisms for each chamber.
3Productivity
If the first fluid chamber is pressurized to enable flow, then mixing efficiency is improved, but the pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first fluid chamber is pre-filled and pressurized during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex pressure control mechanisms during use. The pressurized state is self-maintained until activation, when the simple act of lifting the cap automatically triggers the flow and mixing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurization of the first fluid chamber is performed in advance during manufacturing, so that when the device is activated by lifting the cap, the additive fluid is already prepared to flow automatically. This preliminary action simplifies the operational complexity during actual use.
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
Enables the separate storage and automatic mixing of two additives at the time of opening, improving distribution and mixing efficiency through a 'shower head' pattern of orifices, suitable for various liquid types, including pharmaceuticals and beverages.
Implementation Method 1
the first fluid chamber is pressurised. The first fluid chamber may contain a liquid additive and a propellant
Data Source
AI summary
A closure device for use with a container having a container neck comprises a cap member having a first fluid chamber and a housing having a second fluid chamber. The housing is arranged to move relative to the cap member between a first armed position and a second firing position. The housing includes a first plug member adapted to close a bottom aperture in the first fluid chamber in the first armed position. The cap member includes a second plug member adapted to close a bottom aperture in the second fluid chamber in the first armed position. In the second firing position the first plug member is removed from the aperture in the first fluid chamber and the second plug member is removed from the aperture in the second fluid chamber.