Bottle Cap Tilted Seal for Visual Integrity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to visually detect the non-sealed state of a plastic bottle cap from a distance, and the separation of the cap from the bottle contributes to environmental dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A plastic bottle design featuring a single annular element on the neck that performs both tear-seal and transportation functions, with a cap that includes a tilting annular retention seal indicating non-integrity when the cap is open, and a connection portion allowing the cap to rotate and lock in a position that keeps the seal anchored to the bottle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the cap is structured with a conventional sealed state where the seal remains horizontal and close to the cover, then the bottle structure is simple, but the non-sealed state is difficult to detect from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a visual indication mechanism where the seal changes its apparent position or orientation to signal the non-sealed state. The seal is designed to tilt or rotate when the cap is opened, creating a visible difference that can be detected from a distance, similar to how color changes indicate state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it can tilt or rotate between a horizontal position (sealed state) and a tilted position (non-sealed state). This dynamic behavior provides visual feedback about the cap's integrity without requiring complex additional components.
2Ease of operation
If the cap separates completely from the bottle when opened, then the cap can be freely removed, but environmental dispersion is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cap system is segmented into functional parts: the cover that can be removed, and the seal that remains attached to the bottle. This segmentation allows the cover to be freely removed for opening while the seal stays anchored to prevent environmental dispersion, with the breakaway bridges providing the separation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal acts as an intermediary element that connects the removable cover to the bottle body. Through the breakaway bridges, it allows controlled separation when opened while maintaining attachment to the bottle, serving as a mediator between the need for easy removal and prevention of dispersion.
3Reliability
If two annular elements are used on the neck, then the seal can be properly positioned and trapped, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single annular element on the neck is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the upper annular element for tear-seal function and the lower annular element for transportation and trapping the seal. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components while maintaining reliable seal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of two separate annular elements into a single integrated annular element. The upper portion performs the tear-seal function while the lower portion provides transportation guidance and seal trapping, combining what were previously separate components into one unified structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A bottle comprising an annular element (5) arranged in an intermediate position of the neck (4), a cap (6) that is coupled to the neck (4) and comprises a tubular side wall (6a) and a transverse wall (6b). A separation line (7) is made on the tubular side wall (6a) that defines a cover (8), an annular retention seal (9), and a connection portion (11) that connects the annular retention seal (9) to the cover (8). The connection portion (11) is structured to arrange the annular retention seal (9) along the neck (4) on a plane (K1) tilted by a first angle in relation to the resting plane of the annular element (5) to indicate the non-sealed state of the cap (6).