Break-Off Nozzle Tab Structure for Drop Shock Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional break-off tops for dispensers are prone to breakage when accidentally dropped, leading to premature opening of the nozzle and unintended product discharge.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shock-absorbing portion in the tab, such as a thinned area, slot, or flex area, spaced apart from the nozzle tip, to absorb and redirect impact loads, preventing the tab from fracturing at the weakest point and maintaining the seal upon impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tab is made with a conventional solid structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the tab is prone to breakage when accidentally dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a thinned portion that creates a controlled weak point. This local variation in quality allows the tab to absorb shock at the thinned section while maintaining sufficient strength in other areas, preventing breakage at the nozzle tip location.
Solution Approach 2:
The thinned portion acts as a pre-designed shock absorption zone that dissipates impact energy before it reaches the nozzle tip. By anticipating potential drops, the design incorporates this cushioning feature that activates automatically upon impact, protecting the critical sealing area.
2Reliability
If the tab structure is reinforced to prevent breakage, then the shock resistance improves, but the ability to twist off easily deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tab features localized thinning at a specific portion while maintaining adequate thickness elsewhere. This creates a controlled weak point that preferentially fails under torsional stress during twisting, allowing easy removal, while the thicker sections provide structural support for shock resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab structure is effectively segmented into different functional zones: a thinned portion for controlled fracture and shock absorption, and thicker portions for structural strength. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
3Ease of operation
If the tab is made thinner to enable easy twisting off, then the ease of operation improves, but the overall strength and shock resistance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tab employs non-uniform thickness distribution, with a specifically thinned portion that facilitates easy twisting and controlled fracture, while other portions maintain sufficient thickness to provide overall structural strength and shock resistance.
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 shock-absorbing design enhances the durability of the break-off top by dissipating impact energy, reducing the likelihood of unintentional opening when dropped, ensuring the container remains sealed and usable.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one shock absorbing portion can include a slot, an area with reduced thickness, a flex area, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
When the tab is twisted, the tip end is removed from the nozzle portion at the neck down portion, thereby opening the internal conduit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a top for a dispensing container. The top includes a base, a nozzle portion extending from a first end of the base, and a tab integrally formed with the nozzle portion at a neck down portion. The nozzle portion has an outer wall defining an internal conduit for passage of a liquid, powder and/or gel. The tab includes a tip end sealing the internal conduit and at least one shock absorbing portion. When the tab is twisted, the tip end is removed from the nozzle portion at the neck down portion, thereby opening the internal conduit. The shock absorbing portion can include a slot, an area with reduced thickness, a flex area, or a combination thereof. The top can be included on a container for storing liquids, powders and/or gels.