Container Capping Device Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capping devices with large radial dimensions for the stop hinder bottling operations, user handling, and create injection problems during manufacturing, while also failing to provide a reliable locking mechanism for the cap in a tilted open position that does not obstruct pouring.
Innovation Solution
A capping device with a lower ring and cap design that includes a stop with reduced radial dimensions and a protruding portion with increased radial thickness, allowing for a larger opening angle and robust locking, while avoiding angular surfaces and injection issues through recesses and reinforcing ribs in the mold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stop has a relatively large radial dimension to abut against the lug when the cap is in the tilted open position, then the locking reliability is improved, but the bottling operations reliability deteriorates, user handling becomes difficult, and injection problems occur during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a purely radial dimension solution to a multi-dimensional approach by introducing axial thickness of the lower ring. The protruding portion extends axially from the lower ring with a thickness greater than the radial thickness of the first section, creating a three-dimensional locking structure that reduces radial protrusion while maintaining locking effectiveness through axial engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower ring is designed with non-uniform thickness: the central portion has a greater axial thickness than the radial thickness of the first section. This local quality variation concentrates the locking function in a specific region (the protruding portion) while keeping other areas compact, thereby achieving reliable locking without overall dimensional increase that would cause injection problems.
2Reliability
If the stop has a relatively large radial dimension to provide robust locking, then the locking mechanism reliability is improved, but the cap handling by users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is moved from a radial dimension (large radial stop) to an axial dimension (thick protruding portion extending axially from the lower ring). This dimensional shift allows the locking mechanism to engage effectively without increasing the radial profile that would interfere with user grip and handling.
3Reliability
If the stop is made of a significant quantity of plastic material to ensure robust locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but injection problems during manufacturing occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a large quantity of material throughout the structure, the invention concentrates the material where it is most needed - in the protruding portion of the lower ring where axial thickness exceeds radial thickness. This localized material distribution provides robust locking engagement while minimizing overall material usage to avoid injection molding problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution shifts from increasing radial material (which causes injection problems) to increasing axial material thickness in a specific region. This dimensional reorientation allows sufficient material for robust locking without the radial expansion that creates manufacturing difficulties.
4Ease of operation
If the cap opening angle is increased to avoid obstructing pouring, then the pouring performance is improved, but the locking mechanism reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking engagement is achieved through axial thickness of the protruding portion rather than radial dimension of the stop. This allows the cap to open to a large angle (improving pouring performance) while the thick axial protruding portion maintains reliable locking engagement through the heel interaction, decoupling the opening angle from locking reliability.
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 ensures reliable and robust locking of the cap in a tilted open position without obstructing pouring, improves handling and manufacturing, and enhances the rigidity of the locking device, allowing for efficient bottling operations.
Implementation Method 1
two elastic sheets connecting the outer peripheral skirt and the second section
Implementation Method 2
the stop and the protruding portion being configured in such a way that, when the cap is in the tilted open position, the stop abuts against the protruding portion
Data Source
AI summary
A capping device intended to be fixed to a neck of a container includes a lower ring, a cap, an articulation device that connects the cap and the lower ring, and a locking device configured to lock the cap when it is in a tilted open position. The locking device includes a stop protruding radially outwards and a protruding portion protruding axially from the lower ring. The stop and the protruding portion are configured in such a way that, when the cap is in the tilted open position, the stop abuts against the protruding portion, the portion protrusion having a radial thickness ε1 greater than a radial thickness ε2 of a first section of the lower ring outside some engaging zones.