Cap Skirt with Segmented Weakness Lines for Tether Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stopper manufacturing methods using cut lines of weakness are limited, as they require complex molds and cannot retain a non-breakable tether portion between the removable and non-removable skirt portions after the first opening, restricting design flexibility and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
The stopper design incorporates a first line of weakness cut over only a portion of the skirt, allowing a non-breakable tether portion to remain, and a second line of weakness extending less than half the periphery, with notches that prevent dust and dirt ingress and facilitate deformation upon opening, enabling the removable skirt to remain connected to the non-removable skirt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a line of weakness is obtained by cutting rather than molding, then manufacturing cost is reduced and complexity is simplified, but the line of weakness extends over the entire periphery and cannot retain a non-breakable tether portion
Solution Approach 1:
The line of weakness is segmented into two distinct parts: a first line of weakness that extends over only a portion of the skirt periphery, and a second line of weakness that extends less than half the periphery. This segmentation allows the non-breakable tether portion to remain between these segmented lines, resolving the contradiction between simplified cutting manufacturing and design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the skirt are given different properties: the first line of weakness region allows breaking for opening, the second line of weakness region facilitates deformation, and the tether portion region maintains structural integrity. This local differentiation enables the cut line to achieve both simplicity and functional versatility.
2Productivity
If the line of weakness extends over the entire periphery in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, then cutting is simple and quick, but the removable skirt portion cannot remain connected to the non-removable skirt portion after opening
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous peripheral line of weakness is divided into two separate lines, each extending over limited portions of the periphery. This segmentation enables the removable skirt portion to remain connected via the tether portion after opening, while still allowing quick and simple cutting manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single planar line of weakness to a three-dimensional arrangement with two lines at different positions and orientations. This dimensional change allows the tether portion to maintain connection while the lines of weakness perform their breaking and deformation functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If notches are cut through the skirt wall to form the line of weakness, then manufacturing is simpler and less expensive, but dust and dirt can access the inside of the skirt via the lines of weakness
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are positioned and oriented to create overlapping edges at critical locations. This local structural quality prevents dust and dirt ingress while maintaining the overall simplicity of the cut manufacturing process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the second line of weakness extends less than half the periphery and is positioned vertically above the tether portion, then the removable skirt portion can deform upon opening while the tether remains, but the cutting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting process is segmented into two distinct cutting operations, each creating a specific line of weakness with defined extent and position. This segmentation enables the desired deformation behavior while keeping each individual cutting operation relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The second line of weakness is pre-positioned above the tether portion to facilitate the deformation that occurs during opening. This preliminary arrangement of the cut line enables the desired functional behavior without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cap (1) that comprises a circular skirt (12), said cap including an irremovable portion (12-2) fixedly attached about the neck of a vessel (2) and a removable portion (12-1) removably attached to the neck, the irremovable and removable portions being separated by a first weakening line (20). In order to maintain the removable portion of the skirt attached to the irremovable portion of the skirt after the first opening, the skirt is provided with a second peripheral weakening line (34). It is also provided that the first weakening line extends less than 360°, while the two ends (34A, 34B) of the second weakening line are located along the periphery of the skirt respectively between a first (28A) of the two ends of a linking portion of the skirt and the hasp (26-1) closest to said first end, and between the second end (28B) of the linking portion and the hasp (26-6) closest to said second end.