Articulated Container Cap With Click-Feedback Closure Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caps for containers with articulated parts often fail to provide a reliable and long-lasting closure, leading to leaks and inadequate sealing, and lack clear indicators for proper closure, which results in dust and foreign matter entering the container.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a cylindrical body with a transverse flap and cord mechanism that creates a 'click' effect upon closure, along with vertical slots and ribs for articulation and dust prevention, and optional features like a protrusion for easy opening and mechanical cone compatibility for manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cap is designed with articulated parts for easy opening and closing, then ease of operation is improved, but closure reliability deteriorates due to inadequate sealing and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into two articulated parts: a lower part with gripping means and an upper part with a visor. This segmentation allows the cap to be opened and closed easily while maintaining reliable closure through the coordinated interaction of the two parts. The articulation joint enables smooth movement between open and closed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
A flap is introduced as an intermediary element between the visor and the lower part. The flap includes a cord that interacts with a neck ring to create a 'click' effect, providing both the mechanism for easy closure and reliable sealing. The flap acts as a mediator that translates user action into secure closure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cap structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but closure reliability deteriorates due to lack of proper sealing means
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is segmented into modular parts (lower part with gripping means, upper part with visor, and flap) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation maintains ease of manufacture while enabling reliable closure through the coordinated function of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap design incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features where the flap with cord automatically engages with the neck ring to create a 'click' effect, providing reliable sealing without requiring complex external mechanisms or additional assembly steps.
3Device complexity
If the cap lacks indication means for proper closure, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information occurs as users cannot verify proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates a feedback mechanism through the 'click' effect produced when the cord on the flap engages with the neck ring. This audible and tactile feedback clearly indicates to the user that proper closure has been achieved, eliminating uncertainty about sealing status without adding significant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap and cord mechanism provides visual and tactile feedback through the 'click' effect, creating a discernible change in the cap's state that indicates proper closure. The engagement of the cord with the neck ring produces a noticeable sensation that informs the user of the closure status.
Data Source
AI summary
A cap (1) for containers, which comprises a cylindrical body formed by the articulated joint between two superimposed parts, a lower part (2) having gripping means for retention thereof on the neck (20) of the container, and an upper part (3) having an upper base (5) joined to a perimeter wall (7), wherein said perimeter wall (7) comprises a visor (9) for enabling the opening of the cap (1), wherein said visor (9) comprises a flap (10) disposed transversely thereto and in correspondence to a complementary cut-out (4) provided on the upper edge of the lower part (2), wherein said flap (10) comprises, on an inner surface, a cord (11) disposed transversely to the axial axis of the cap (1) for executing the grip of the upper part (3) to the neck (20) of the container.