Cap and Container Assembly with Peripheral Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stoppers for carbonated drinks lose dissolved gas when opened and closed, leading to irreversible deterioration of the drink's organoleptic qualities, and existing solutions are complex, expensive, and difficult to use hygienically.
Innovation Solution
A stopper design with a peripheral skirt and second sealing means that allows liquid to flow through a peripheral passage without contacting the threaded connection, reducing gas loss and improving hygiene by using a simple and inexpensive structure that can be operated like a conventional cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is opened to consume the drink, then the user can access the liquid, but dissolved gas is released and organoleptic qualities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pouring path is segmented into separate zones: the liquid flows through a peripheral passage that is spatially separated from the threaded connection. This segmentation allows the liquid to be dispensed without contacting the threads, preventing contamination while maintaining gas retention in the container
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral skirt acts as an intermediary structure that guides the liquid through a dedicated peripheral passage. This intermediary path allows liquid flow while keeping the threaded connection isolated from the liquid, thus maintaining both ease of pouring and hygiene without requiring complex handling
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional stopper designs are used, then the structure is simple, but liquid flows through the threaded connection causing hygiene issues and gas loss
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper design segments the liquid flow path from the threaded connection by introducing a peripheral skirt with a peripheral passage. This spatial segmentation allows the liquid to flow through the peripheral passage while the threaded connection remains isolated, eliminating contamination risks without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid flow is redirected from the traditional axial path through the threads to a peripheral dimension. The peripheral skirt creates a new dimensional pathway around the central threaded connection, allowing liquid to exit the container without contacting the threads, thus solving hygiene issues while maintaining structural simplicity
3Loss of substance
If existing complex stopper designs are used, then gas loss is reduced, but the device becomes expensive and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow path into a peripheral passage separate from the threaded connection, the invention achieves gas retention similar to complex designs but with a simpler structure. The peripheral skirt creates distinct functional zones that prevent liquid-thread contact while maintaining ease of use comparable to conventional stoppers
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral skirt serves multiple functions: it guides liquid flow through the peripheral passage, isolates the threaded connection from liquid contact, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality achieves the gas retention benefits of complex designs without adding corresponding complexity or handling difficulties
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 design minimizes gas loss and improves hygiene by allowing liquid to flow through a peripheral passage, maintaining the drink's quality and ease of use without complex handling.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid beverage, after passing through the pouring orifice, travels through the threaded connection between the stopper and the neck to rise in the opposite direction to the direction of pouring
Implementation Method 2
The drink is then pushed down (through the neck) by the effect of gravity and the pressure inside the container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
Assembly (100) comprising a cap (1) and a container (4) suitable for containing a fluid, said container (4) comprising a neck (5) with external thread (5a) having an annular end ramp (6) defining a pouring orifice (7) through which the fluid can be poured out of the container (4), said cap (1) being movablely disposed on the neck (5) between a sealing position, in which the passage of fluid through the pouring orifice (7) is prevented, and at least one pouring position, in which fluid can be poured out of the container (4) through the pouring orifice (7) without the cap (1) being separated from the neck (5).