Container Cap Locking Member Prevents Semi-Open State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inseparable caps for containers with threaded necks often create a semi-open state when opened, hindering the flow of liquids due to the elastic force of link arms and hinges, requiring users to manually hold the cap in an open position for complete access.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a blocking member with a lug and an island of solid material, where the lug rests on a groove when the cap is fully open, preventing the cap body from returning to the neck opening and ensuring the neck is completely free, allowing for easy pouring without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cap body is permanently linked to the tamper evident ring by means of link arms with elastic hinges, then the cap remains attached to the container (inseparable), but the link arms and elastic force tend to bring the cap body back above the neck opening, creating a semi-open state that hinders liquid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to preemptively counteract the elastic restoring force of the link arms before the cap body can return to a semi-open position. The groove and lug engagement creates a mechanical stop that prevents the cap body from being pulled back by the elastic hinges, thereby maintaining complete openness for unobstructed liquid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member acts as an intermediary element between the cap body and the link arms. It mediates the interaction by providing a mechanical constraint (groove-lug engagement) that overrides the elastic force of the link arms, allowing the cap to remain fully open without requiring manual holding while preserving the inseparable connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cap body moves axially away from the tamper evident ring to detach from the neck opening, then access to the container is released, but the cap body may not remain completely clear of the opening, requiring manual holding for complete access
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is pre-configured with a groove positioned to engage the lug on the cap body when the cap reaches its fully open position. This preliminary arrangement ensures that as soon as the cap body moves away from the neck opening, the groove-lug engagement automatically occurs, maintaining complete openness without requiring the user to continue holding the cap.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member provides self-service by automatically maintaining the cap body in its fully open position through the groove-lug mechanical engagement. The system serves itself by using the blocking member to counteract the elastic restoring force, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention to keep the container accessible.
3Ease of operation
If the link arms are shaped to allow the cap body to tilt to an open position, then access to the container is released, but the elastic force of the hinges creates a semi-open state that partially blocks the neck opening
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member with its groove is designed to preemptively counteract the elastic force of the hinges before the cap body can be pulled back into a semi-open position. The groove-lug engagement creates a mechanical barrier that prevents the harmful semi-open state from occurring, ensuring complete clearance of the neck opening for unobstructed liquid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member serves as an intermediary that mediates between the cap body and the elastic hinges. It introduces a mechanical constraint (the groove engagement) that overrides the elastic restoring force, preventing the cap body from returning to a position that would obstruct liquid flow while maintaining the flexible connection provided by the link arms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cap (1) for a threaded-neck container, comprising: - a cap body (10) pivotally mounted between a closed position and an open position in which the neck opening is free to allow access to the inside of the container; - a tamper-evident ring (11); and - two connecting arms (12) connected on one side to the tamper-evident ring (11) and on the other side to the cap body (10). According to the invention, the cap includes a locking member (13) located between the two connecting arms (12). Furthermore, the locking member (13) comprises a first part (131) and a second part (132) made of solid material and cooperating with each other by a support joint to allow the cap body to be held in a fully open position in which the cap body is completely free from the neck opening.