Asymmetric Lid Driving Elements for Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opening devices for containers with pourable food products often require users to apply excessive torque during re-closing, risk incorrect unscrewing direction, and may be damaged if pulled instead of unscrewed, due to unclear torque directions and lack of clear indication.
Innovation Solution
A lid design with a tamper evidence device and distinct driving elements for unscrewing and screwing, featuring a knurling pattern that indicates the correct rotation direction and reduces the required torque, preventing over-tightening and incorrect rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard screw lid is used for re-closing the container, then the opening device can be sealed, but the user may apply excessive torque and damage the opening device
Solution Approach 1:
The lid features asymmetric driving elements with a first driving element having a first cross-sectional shape that fits a corresponding tool for unscrewing, and a second driving element having a second cross-sectional shape that fits a different tool for screwing. This asymmetric design prevents the user from applying excessive torque in the wrong direction while providing clear operational guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces different external tools as intermediaries to interact with the lid's driving elements. A first tool with a first end fits the first driving element for unscrewing, while a second tool with a second end fits the second driving element for screwing. These intermediary tools control and limit the torque applied, preventing damage to the opening device.
2Device complexity
If a single driving element is used on the lid, then the structure is simple, but the user may apply torque in the incorrect direction causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates two distinct driving elements with different cross-sectional shapes positioned at different locations. The first driving element accepts a first tool for unscrewing operations, while the second driving element accepts a second tool for screwing operations. This asymmetric configuration prevents incorrect torque application by making it physically impossible to use the wrong tool for the wrong operation.
3Ease of operation
If the lid allows free rotation in both directions, then ease of use is improved, but the risk of over-tightening and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs external tools as intermediaries between the user's hand and the lid's driving elements. The first tool controls unscrewing by fitting the first driving element, while the second tool controls screwing by fitting the second driving element. These intermediary tools physically limit the maximum torque that can be applied, preventing over-tightening damage while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid for an opening device for a container includes a body having a longitudinal axis and provided with an end wall and with a side wall internally provided with a thread element suitable for cooperating with a further thread element of a spout of the opening device, the lid further includes at least one driving element having a first side arranged to receive the fingers of a user during unscrewing of the lid from the spout and a second side arranged for receiving the fingers of a user during screwing of the lid on the spout, the first side being defined by a wall and the second side being defined by a cavity.