Resin Bottle Cap End-Ring Removal Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PET bottle cap end-ring structures are difficult to remove without deformation, requiring excessive force and are not easily removable, which hinders recycling efforts as they often remain attached during collection.
Innovation Solution
A resin bottle cap end-ring retaining and removal structure featuring a guidance flange-cut-out section with an inclined face and a non-barbed guidance section, allowing for easy removal by tilting the end-ring without deformation, and including alignment indicators for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the end-ring is designed to remain on the bottle body when the cap is opened, then the previously-opened state can be ascertained, but the end-ring becomes extremely difficult to remove for recycling purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The end-ring is segmented into multiple sections: a retention section with barbed protrusions that engage with the bottle body to indicate opening status, and a removal section with a smooth inner peripheral surface that allows easy sliding off. This segmentation enables the end-ring to serve dual functions of indicating opening while facilitating easy removal for recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the end-ring have different surface qualities: the retention section has rough barbed protrusions for secure engagement, while the removal section has a smooth inner peripheral surface for easy sliding. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between retention and ease of removal.
2Ease of operation
If hand tools are provided to facilitate end-ring removal, then removal becomes easier, but it is not realistic for ordinary households to equip themselves with such tools
Solution Approach 1:
The end-ring structure is designed to be self-removable by simply sliding it along the bottle body in the circumferential direction. The smooth removal section allows the end-ring to be easily pulled off without requiring any external tools, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for additional removal tools.
3Ease of operation
If the end-ring is deformed to enable removal from the ring stopper flange, then removal becomes possible, but the operation force required is extremely high likened to the strength of Hercules
Solution Approach 1:
The end-ring transitions from a static retained state to a dynamic removal state by sliding along the bottle body in the circumferential direction. The smooth inner peripheral surface of the removal section reduces friction, allowing the end-ring to be easily pulled off without requiring extreme force or deformation.
4Ease of operation
If the end-ring is made easily removable, then recycling collection becomes easier, but the ability to ascertain previously-opened state is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The end-ring is divided into functional sections: the barbed retention section provides reliable indication of previously-opened state by remaining on the bottle body, while the smooth removal section enables easy removal for recycling. Both functions are maintained simultaneously through this segmentation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A resin bottle cap end-ring removal structure is provided for easily removing from a bottle body an end-ring that remains on the bottle body side when opening a bottle cap such as on a PET bottle, and a container provided with the same. A barbed body 250, which is formed to an end-ring 25 that remains on a bottle body 1, is divided by a non-barbed guidance section 255 formed over one partial section where the barbed body 250 is not formed. A guidance flange cut-out section 151 is formed in a portion of a ring stopper upper flange 15. An effective guidance zone Z, in which restriction on the end-ring from the ring stopper upper flange 15 is released in a partial section, is secured by setting a removal initiation set position state in which the non-barbed guidance section 255 and the guidance flange cut-out section 151 are disposed adj acent to each other. A removal guiding inclined orientation of the end-ring 25 is then achieved for removal initiation of the end-ring 25 at this position.