Container Capping Device Simplified Connection Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capping devices for containers are complex to manufacture due to intricate connection mechanisms and often require additional steps, leading to potential damage and consumer inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A capping device with simplified connection arms that can be moulded in a single piece in a closed configuration, featuring angled end portions and serrated sections to reduce stress concentrations and facilitate easy opening, allowing for a reliable and easy-to-manufacture cap retention system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex connection devices with locking mechanisms are used to securely attach the cap to the lower ring, then the cap retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two separate components: a lower ring that remains on the container neck and a cap that attaches to it. The connection arms are integrated into the cap as separate elements rather than a complex monolithic structure. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler while maintaining secure connection through the interaction between parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the connection arms themselves and replaced by a separate frangible bridge system. The connection arms serve only their primary function of connecting the cap to the lower ring, while the frangible bridges provide the security/sealing function. This separation of functions reduces the complexity of each individual component.
2Reliability
If connection arms are permanently restricted in the closed position to maintain security, then the cap retention is improved, but the connection device may break over time due to stress
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arms are designed with dynamic flexibility rather than being permanently restricted. They can move and adjust during the opening process, transitioning from a restricted state during normal use to an unrestricted state during opening. This dynamic behavior reduces stress concentrations and prevents fatigue failure over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible bridges are designed to break first during the opening process, performing the preliminary action of releasing the seal. This allows the connection arms to remain intact and reusable, as they are not subjected to the stress of breaking but rather to the controlled breaking of the frangible bridges.
3Strength
If the capping device is moulded in the open position to allow connection arm freedom, then the connection device durability is improved, but an additional manufacturing step is required to form frangible bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The cap and connection arms are merged into a single integrated component that is moulded as one piece in the closed position. The frangible bridges are also integrated into this single moulding process, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This combining of elements simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the durability benefits of the closed-position moulding.
4Ease of operation
If locking devices are added to lock the cap in the angled open position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and consumer inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism is designed to be self-service, where the user simply pulls the cap upward and the frangible bridges automatically break, allowing the cap to open without requiring locking devices or complex mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the breaking of the frangible bridges to automatically release the cap, eliminating the need for additional locking/unlocking components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a capping device (1) intended to be affixed to a neck (2) of a container to seal an opening of said neck (2) and which comprises: - a lower ring (4) intended to be mounted affixed axially to the neck (2) and rotating on the neck (2) around an X-axis; - a cap (3) that has a spiral thread (12) intended to cooperate with a spiral thread (9) formed on the neck (2) of the container; and - a connection device (5) which connects the cap (3) to the lower ring (4) and is positioned to allow the cap (3) to move away from the lower ring (4) during the unscrewing of the cap (3) and thus permit the opening of the cap (3).