Container Cap With Cuttable Connector For Tool-Free Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing caps for plastic containers require the use of special tools to remove the fixed portion after opening, making the separation and collection process time-consuming and labor-intensive due to material differences between the container and cap.

Innovation Solution

A cap design featuring a cap body with a thread portion and a fixed portion connected by a cuttable connector, including an upper and lower ring with lock projections and cutting lines, allowing the fixed portion to be easily removed without tools by cutting the connector lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the fixed portion is designed to remain on the container opening after opening, then the cap body can be easily separated, but the fixed portion requires special tools for removal which increases time and labor consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSeparation of cap body from fixed portionVSAvoidTime and labor for removing fixed portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed portion is divided into an upper ring and a lower ring that can be easily separated from each other. The connector portion includes cuttable lines that allow the upper ring to be detached from the lower ring without special tools, enabling quick removal of the fixed portion from the container opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper ring is designed to be extractable from the lower ring through the cuttable connector portion. After the cap is opened, the upper ring can be easily pulled out from the container opening while the lower ring remains engaged, allowing rapid removal of the removable component without requiring nippers or special tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the fixed portion remains engaged with the container opening, then sealing is maintained, but material separation becomes difficult due to different materials requiring special removal tools

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSealing integrity of containerVSAvoidSeparation and collection process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed portion is segmented into two rings connected by a connector with cuttable lines. This segmentation allows the upper ring to be easily separated from the lower ring after use, facilitating simple manual removal and collection without special tools, while maintaining reliable sealing when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector portion is designed with specific structural parameters including cuttable lines that change the mechanical properties of the connection. These parameters allow the connector to provide strong engagement during sealing but enable easy separation afterward through simple cutting action, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and ease of separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2530026B1Cap for container
Publication Date: 2013.09.04 HAYASHI SYOGO
  • EP2530026B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2530026B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP2530026B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cap (10) for container which comprises a cap body provided with a thread portion (12) at the inner peripheral surface of its upper portion which is engaged with a thread of an opening portion of a container, and a fixed portion connected with the cap body at a cuttable connector portion. The fixed portion comprises an upper ring (14), and a lower ring (16) provided with lock projections (20) to secure the lower portion to the opening portion of the container. The upper ring and the lower ring are connected at a connector portion (18). The lower ring is provided with at least one cutting line (43,44) extending from its bottom end to its upper end.