Modular Smart Container: Sustainable Packaging Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857057_0005_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Smart Container: Sustainable Packaging Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857057_0005_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857057_0005_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,057.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for a replacement-type container addressed the need for convenient and portable packaging solutions. However, it had limitations in terms of manual operation, limited functionality, and environmental sustainability. The present invention overcomes these limitations by introducing a modular, smart, and sustainable design that offers enhanced user experience, improved functionality, and reduced environmental impact.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present invention introduces a novel modular design, automated motorized operation, sensor-driven functionality, and sustainable materials, which are not present in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the combination of these features to create a next-generation replacement-type container system that offers enhanced user experience, improved functionality, and reduced environmental impact.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include varying the design of the modular components, using different materials or manufacturing processes, or incorporating additional features such as heating or cooling modules, temperature control mechanisms, or multi-functional capabilities. Variations of the invention may also include adapting the system for use with different types of products or in different industries.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The modular smart replacement-type container system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food packaging. The system's enhanced user experience, improved functionality, and sustainable design make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to differentiate their products and reduce their environmental footprint. The market for this invention is expected to be significant, with potential applications in both consumer-facing and industrial settings.

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Packaging design and mechanical container systems, specifically replacement-type containers for personal care and cosmetic products, requiring mechanical engineering, materials science, and product design expertise

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or industrial designer with expertise in packaging systems, familiar with modular design principles, mechanical coupling mechanisms, and consumer product ergonomics, with knowledge of materials and manufacturing techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core modular container design, utilizing standard engineering techniques to enhance functionality through known mechanical and sensor integration approaches. The fundamental snap-fit and rotational mechanisms disclosed in the source patent provide a clear technical foundation for implementing additional features like motorized lifting, sensor-based product management, and material innovations. These variations represent incremental improvements using standard design methodologies within the packaging and container technology domain.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Replacement component with first clasp and base with corresponding second clasp for detachable connection

PTD Variation

Modular replacement component system with motorized rotating mechanism for automated lifting

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would find it obvious to add motorization to an existing modular connection system as a predictable enhancement of mechanical functionality, using known electromechanical actuation techniques

Source Patent Element

Container with threaded pushing tube and rotational coupling mechanisms

PTD Variation

Sensor-triggered rotating component that automatically manages product replacement based on remaining quantity

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating sensor technology with existing mechanical rotation systems represents a known technique for creating smart packaging, with predictable results in automated product management

Source Patent Element

Replacement component with accommodating cavity and bottom plate design

PTD Variation

Biodegradable replacement component made from plant-based materials with compostable characteristics

Obviousness Reasoning

Material substitution using environmentally friendly alternatives is a standard design approach, representing an obvious modification driven by sustainability trends in packaging engineering

Source Patent Element

Rotational coupling mechanisms between container components

PTD Variation

Compact spiral mechanism for storage and automated lifting of replacement component

Obviousness Reasoning

Adapting existing rotational mechanisms to create compact storage solutions represents a predictable design variation using known mechanical engineering principles

Source Patent Element

Modular container design with interchangeable components

PTD Variation

Integration of heating/cooling module with temperature control mechanism in base

Obviousness Reasoning

Adding thermal management functionality to a modular container represents a straightforward engineering enhancement using known thermal control techniques

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857057, the variations disclosed herein would be considered obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art of packaging design, as they represent predictable combinations of known mechanical, sensor, and materials engineering techniques applied to a standard modular container system. The incremental improvements demonstrate no inventive step beyond the capabilities of an ordinary practitioner in the field, thus rendering potential derivative claims obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,057
Title	Replacement-type container
Assignee(s)	Yuyao Caiyun Cosmetics Packaging Co. LTD.