Capping Device Hinge Segmentation for Neck Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capping devices are not user-friendly when transitioning the cap from a tilted open position to a closed position, as the mechanism to raise the lower ring section to facilitate this movement is cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A capping device design featuring a lower ring with radially projecting engaging elements and a hinge system that allows the cap to rotate between closed, released, and tilted open positions, with a locking mechanism to aid in the transition from tilted open to closed, and a helical thread arrangement that simplifies engagement and disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lower ring section connected to the cap lacks engaging means to allow rotation, then the cap can be tilted open, but manipulating the cap to rotate the lower ring section into a raised position becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecap positioning capabilityVSAvoidease of manipulating cap
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lower ring is divided into a first section with engaging means and a second section without engaging means, hinged to each other. This segmentation allows the second section to rotate independently to facilitate cap removal while the first section remains fixed to the neck, resolving the contradiction between cap versatility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A hinge device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second sections of the lower ring. This hinge acts as a mediator that enables controlled rotation of the second section, making it easier to manipulate the cap from tilted open to closed position without requiring the entire lower ring to be movable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the lower ring can move radially to facilitate passage of the second section, then the mechanism becomes easier to operate, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower ring is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to move radially between front and back positions. This dynamic capability facilitates the passage of the second section during cap operation, improving ease of use. The radial movement is enabled through the hinge mechanism and the strategic placement of engaging means, which allow controlled motion without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design enhances ease of use by reducing tensile forces required for the lower ring movement and ensures reliable cap attachment and detachment, improving user experience and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a hinge device that attaches the cap to the second section of the lower ring and is configured to allow the cap to rotate between the released position and an tilted open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

the outer peripheral skirt having a helical thread designed to cooperate with a helical thread formed in the neck to allow: unscrewing the cap from the neck around an axis X

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelical thread: Screw

Implementation Method 3

a first section that includes engaging elements that project radially into the lower ring and are intended to be arranged below the engaging collar to axially retain the lower ring on the neck of the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial projection engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4095063B1Capping device for a container's neck
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 BETAPACK SAU
  • EP4095063B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4095063B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4095063B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Capping device intended to be fixed on a neck (2) of a container, including the capping device: - a cap (1) having a helical thread (7) to cooperate with a helical thread (6) formed on the neck (2); - a lower ring (9) fixed axially to the neck (2); - a hinge device (10) that joins the cap (1) with a second section (17) of the lower ring (9) and extends over a first angular range that is cut into two equal parts by a bisection plane Pb; the helical thread (7) developing around the axis X according to a first direction and having a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is arranged in a second angular range defined between the bisection plane Pb and a radial plane positioned at 160° from the bisection plane Pb according to a second direction opposite to the first direction.