Bottle Cap with Integrated Bracket Handle for Grasping and Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle caps do not provide a convenient and comfortable way for users to hold or attach bottles to other objects, such as backpacks, as they lack a practical handle or attachment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a bracket with an aperture and a tab element forming a loop handle, which can be securely locked in place, optionally with saw-tooth surfaces for engagement, and potentially including additional attachments like straps or devices, to facilitate grasping and attachment to other objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cap design is used, then the sealing function is simple and reliable, but the cap lacks a handle or attachment mechanism for user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing cap function with an integrated handle structure. The handle is formed as part of the cap assembly, with a loop configuration that allows users to grasp the bottle conveniently. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by adding handling capability without requiring a completely separate attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap design incorporates multiple functions: sealing the bottle opening, providing a grasping handle, and enabling attachment to backpacks or other objects via the bracket and aperture. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to serve multiple purposes, improving ease of operation while managing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a bracket with aperture and tab element is added to form a handle, then user convenience is improved, but the cap structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The handle functionality is segmented into distinct components: a bracket with aperture, tab elements, and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and simplifies manufacturing while providing the desired attachment capability. The tab elements can be inserted through the aperture and locked independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab elements are received within the bracket structure, with thinner regions of the tab elements flexing to engage with the bracket. This nested configuration allows the handle components to be compactly integrated into the cap assembly, minimizing the increase in device complexity while maintaining attachment functionality.
3Strength
If tab elements with saw-tooth surfaces are used for locking, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tab elements incorporate regions of different material thickness, with thinner regions that can flex more easily. This parameter variation allows the tab elements to deform and engage with the saw-tooth surfaces of the bracket, providing strong locking connection while accommodating variations in manufacturing precision through the flexibility of the thinner regions.
4Reliability
If a spout cover is added to seal the spout, then fluid leakage prevention is improved, but the cap complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spout cover is hingedly attached to the cap, allowing it to move between an open position for drinking and a closed position for sealing. This dynamic design provides reliable fluid leakage prevention when closed, while the hinged mechanism keeps the overall cap complexity manageable compared to a permanently sealed design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cap for a receptacle such as a bottle, the cap comprising: a sealing portion for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal with an open end of the receptacle; a bracket (3) formed on or with the cap, the bracket having an aperture (4) therethrough; and at least one tab element (5) received in or through said aperture, at least one of said tab element or elements forming a handle to be grasped by a user.