Bottle Stopper Protrusion for Stable Hinged Cap Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bottle stoppers with hinged closing caps are uncomfortable for users due to the lack of a mechanism to retain the closing cap in its open position, leading to unstable operation and potential accidental closure.

Innovation Solution

A semicircular protrusion made from flexible material is integrated between the pouring element and the closing cap, providing an acoustic signal and stabilizing the open position, while also facilitating automated assembly and enhanced opening angle beyond 180°.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a hinged closing cap is used without retention means, then the stopper structure is simple, but the closing cap cannot be retained stably in its open position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestopper structureVSAvoidclosing cap retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion on the closing cap automatically engages with the pouring element to retain the cap in its open position without requiring additional active retention mechanisms. The system serves itself through the geometric interaction between the protrusion and the pouring element surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion acts as an intermediary element between the closing cap and the pouring element, providing the retention function through its specific geometry and interaction with the pouring element surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the closing cap is hinged without retention means, then manufacturing is simple, but the opening angle is limited and operation is uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinged closing cap assemblyVSAvoidopening angle and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion has a semicircular cross-section that allows the closing cap to rotate through a wide angle while maintaining stable engagement. The curved geometry enables the cap to open beyond 180 degrees while the protrusion remains engaged with the pouring element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion is made of flexible material that can deform during the opening motion and then return to its original shape, providing dynamic retention that adapts to the motion of the closing cap while maintaining the open position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If no position feedback mechanism is provided, then the device is simpler, but the user cannot detect whether the cap is open or closed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback mechanismVSAvoidcap position information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion provides tactile and acoustic feedback to the user through clicks when the closing cap reaches its open or closed positions. This passive feedback mechanism uses the engagement and disengagement of the protrusion with the pouring element to communicate position information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion can be made with different colors or visual indicators on its surface to help users visually distinguish between open and closed positions, complementing the tactile feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Reliability

If the protrusion is made from flexible material, then it provides acoustic feedback and stable retention, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition retention and feedbackVSAvoidprotrusion geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion is designed with specific geometric parameters including a semicircular cross-section and controlled dimensions that allow flexible material to provide both retention and feedback functions. The parameters are optimized to work with the flexible material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures stable and comfortable operation by providing clear position feedback and preventing accidental closure, while allowing for greater opening angles and cost-effective manufacturing through reduced material usage.

Implementation Method 1

the protrusion is semicircular in shape and made from a flexible material... the protrusion also provides information to the user that it has been placed in its open or closed position, as it causes an acoustic signal, such as a click

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3722223B1Stopper for bottles

Publication Date: 2024.01.17 BETAPACK SAU

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

Stopper for bottles, comprising a pouring element (1) assembled with a hinged closing cap (2), the closing cap (2) being able to be placed in an open position and a closed position, characterized in that said closing cap (2) comprises a protrusion (3) in its closest part to the pouring element (1), whose protrusion (3) contacts the pouring element (1) in the open position of the closing cap (2).