Cap Connecting Bands Preventing Accidental Reclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caps with retaining rings and hinges for bottles are complex to manufacture, prone to premature reclosure, and can accidentally strike users or obstruct liquid dispensing due to the hinge mechanism's design, which also increases production costs and cycle time.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a side wall with a separation line and incision line that creates deformable connecting bands, allowing the closure element to remain stably associated with the retaining ring, preventing accidental separation and reclosure, and incorporating a projection that rests on the neck to maintain the open position, thus preventing unwanted rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinge mechanism is added to keep the closure element connected to the retaining ring, then the closure element cannot be thrown away separately, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into three main parts: closure element, retaining ring, and connecting bands. The connecting bands are further segmented into multiple thin flexible elements that provide the hinge function. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting bands are made as thin flexible elements that can bend and deform, providing the hinge mechanism without requiring complex mechanical joints. These thin film-like structures allow relative movement between the closure element and retaining ring while maintaining connection.
2Reliability
If a hinge mechanism is used to connect the closure element to the retaining ring, then the closure element remains connected after opening, but the production cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element, retaining ring, and connecting bands are manufactured as a single integrated piece in one injection molding cycle. The hinge function is achieved through the flexible connecting bands that are built-in during molding, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing production cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting bands automatically provide the hinge function through their inherent flexibility and elastic deformation capabilities. No additional mechanical hinges or complex mechanisms are required, as the material itself provides the necessary movement and connection functions.
3Ease of operation
If the closure element is allowed to rotate freely on the hinge, then it can open properly, but it may accidentally strike the user or obstruct liquid dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The projection on the closure element is designed to engage with the neck of the bottle before the closure element can rotate into a harmful position. This preliminary engagement prevents the closure element from rotating too far and potentially striking the user or obstructing liquid dispensing, while still allowing proper opening motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection acts as an intermediary element between the closure element and the neck. It mediates the rotation motion by providing a controlled engagement point that allows opening while preventing excessive rotation that would cause harm.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the retaining ring is free to rotate on the neck, then it can adapt to different positions, but it may rotate due to gravity and cause the closure element to strike the user or obstruct dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The projection on the closure element engages with the neck to prevent the retaining ring from rotating due to gravity. This preliminary engagement counteracts the gravitational force that would cause rotation, ensuring the closure element remains in a safe position during use.
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 cap design simplifies production, ensures stable operation by preventing accidental reclosure and user strikes, and ensures proper disposal of the cap and bottle together, reducing production costs and improving user safety.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting bands are deformable, for allowing the joining portion to rotate when the closure element is moved from a closed position to an open position
Implementation Method 2
the projection is resting on the neck, in said open position
Data Source
AI summary
A cap for a container is provided and a related method for making the cap. The cap comprises a side wall extending about an axis and a transversal wall arranged at an end of the side wall, a separation line being provided on the side wall for defining: a retaining ring, which is intended to remain anchored to a neck of the container and is configured to internally engage with an enlargement of the neck; and a closure element which can removably engage the neck, so as to open or close the container. The separation line extends about the axis and is circumferentially interrupted so as to leave a joining portion, between the retaining ring and the closure element, which extends circumferentially for a respective angle, the cap further having an incision line which extends transversally to the axis between the separation line and a free edge of the retaining ring, so that two connecting bands are defined between the separation line and the incision line, the two connecting bands joining the retaining ring to the joining portion. The connecting bands are deformable and the joining portion is externally provided with a projection which projects from the joining portion and is positioned between a separation plane in which the separation line lies and the incision line so that, when the closure element is in the open position and the connecting bands keep the closure element connected to the retaining ring, an edge of the joining portion which, in the closed position, faces the retaining ring, is facing, in the open position, towards a rim of the neck and the projection is resting on the neck in said open position.