Container Cap With Disposable Seal and Elastic Lock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container caps fail to provide a leak-tight seal that withstands impact forces and accidental knock-overs while also being easy to open and close, particularly for large containers holding liquids.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a cap body with a spout and a disposable sealing means, combined with a locking mechanism that uses a panel and protrusion system with an elastically deformable material for secure closure and easy opening, capable of withstanding high torque and impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinged lid with a protrusion sealing means is used, then ease of opening and closing is improved, but reliability under impact forces deteriorates as the lid may easily flip open and the sealing protrusion may leak under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable sealing means that is discarded after a single use. This disposable seal ensures reliable sealing under impact forces during transportation and storage, while the permanent cap structure maintains ease of opening and closing through its hinged lid design with elastic biasing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is segmented into two independent components: a permanent cap structure with hinged lid for ease of operation, and a separate disposable sealing means for reliable impact resistance. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism requiring combination of radial force and upward force is used, then reliability against child opening is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as single-handed operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates an elastic material that automatically generates biasing force to maintain the lid in a closed position and provide locking function. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual locking operations, allowing easy single-handed opening while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses elastic material properties to create a dynamic locking mechanism. The elastic material's biasing force automatically adjusts to maintain sealing pressure and locking engagement, providing child-resistant features without requiring complex multi-directional force applications by the user.
3Ease of operation
If a hinged lid with elastic biasing force is used, then ease of opening is improved, but stability deteriorates as the lid may accidentally flip open during knock-over
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable sealing means is designed to remain in place and maintain sealing even if the lid position changes during transportation or accidental knock-over. This disposable seal provides stability against accidental opening while the permanent cap structure maintains ease of intentional opening through its elastic biasing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is separated from the lid structure into a distinct disposable component. This segmentation allows the seal to independently maintain its sealing position and stability during accidental movements, while the lid structure focuses on providing ease of intentional opening through elastic biasing force.
4Ease of manufacture
If a protrusion sealing arrangement is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates as alignment problems occur during distortion and sealing effectiveness is limited to small outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable sealing means is designed to accommodate alignment variations and distortion during transportation and storage. This single-use seal ensures reliable sealing performance under distorted conditions and can be easily manufactured and disposed of after use, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable sealing means can be designed with material properties and geometric features that allow it to deform and adapt to alignment variations and distortion. This parameter flexibility ensures reliable sealing under distorted conditions while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple material selection and design.
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 maintains a leak-tight seal under impact and accidental knock-overs while allowing quick and effortless single-handed operation, ensuring the contents remain secure throughout the supply chain and everyday use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable material (28) connecting said panel (25) to said lid (3)... creates a biasing force between said cap body and said hinged lid in order to bring said hinged lid into an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A cap resistant to impact forces and providing a leak-tight fitting to a container while allowing simple and quick release.