Capping Device Lower Ring Segmentation for Cap Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capping devices are not user-friendly for moving the cap from a tilted open position to a closed position due to the lack of engaging means in the section connected to the cap, making it difficult to secure the cap back onto the container neck.
Innovation Solution
A capping device design featuring a cap with a helical thread and a lower ring with engaging elements that facilitate easy rotation between positions, including a hinge device and a locking mechanism to aid in the cap's movement from the tilted open to the closed position, reducing tensile forces required and enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lower ring lacks engaging means in the section connected to the cap by the hinge, then the cap can rotate freely between lowered and raised positions, but it becomes difficult to manipulate the cap to rotate the lower ring section into the raised position when moving from tilted open to closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The lower ring is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with engaging elements that provides stable retention on the container neck, and a second section without engaging elements that connects to the cap via hinge and can rotate freely. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally - the first section ensures stable mounting while the second section enables easy cap manipulation and position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower ring exhibits local quality by having engaging elements only in specific areas (first section) rather than uniformly distributed. The engaging elements are strategically placed in the first section to provide retention on the container neck, while the second section deliberately lacks these elements to allow free rotation and facilitate cap manipulation. This localized application of engaging features resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second section of the lower ring rotates from lowered to raised position, then the cap can move from closed to released position, but tensile forces are exerted on the lower ring that complicate the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The lower ring incorporates dynamic capability through the rotatable second section that can transition between lowered and raised positions. This dynamic feature enables the cap to move between closed and released positions as needed. The hinge connection between the first and second sections allows smooth rotation and position changes while managing the forces involved through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a rotational dimension to the lower ring's operation. The second section rotates about a hinge axis, transitioning from a lowered position (aligned with the container neck) to a raised position (allowing cap removal). This rotational movement in a different dimension enables position flexibility while distributing forces more effectively than linear movement would provide.
3Ease of operation
If engaging elements are provided only in specific areas of the lower ring, then radial movement is facilitated, but the retention mechanism becomes less uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The lower ring is segmented into a first section with engaging elements and a second section without them. The engaging elements in the first section provide reliable retention on the container neck, while the second section's lack of engaging elements facilitates radial movement and rotation. This segmentation creates the necessary asymmetry to enable both reliable retention and easy manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Engaging elements are applied locally only to the first section of the lower ring where they are needed for stable mounting on the container neck. The second section deliberately lacks these elements to allow free radial movement and rotation. This localized quality distribution optimizes both retention reliability and operational ease by placing engaging features only where they serve their retention function.
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 allows for easier and reliable attachment and detachment of the cap, improving user experience by reducing the effort needed to move the cap between positions and ensuring secure sealing and unsealing of the container.
Implementation Method 1
a cap (1) including a top wall (13) and an outer peripheral skirt (14), the outer peripheral skirt (14) having a helical thread (7) designed to cooperate with a helical thread (6) formed in the neck (2)
Implementation Method 2
a hinge device (10) that attaches the cap (1) to the second section (17) of the lower ring (9) and is configured to allow the cap to rotate between the released position and an tilted open position
Implementation Method 3
a first section (16) that includes engaging elements (18) that project radially into the lower ring (9) and are intended to be arranged below the engaging collar (5) to axially retain the lower ring (9) on the neck (2)
Implementation Method 4
a lower ring (9) axially fixed to the neck (2) and rotationally movable on the neck about said X axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a capping device intended to be fixed on a neck (2) of a container that includes an engaging collar (4), including the capping device: - a cap (1); - 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); - the lower ring (9) has engaging elements (18) only in two engagement areas (20, 21) to allow a radial movement of the lower ring (9) from front to back to facilitate the passage of a part of the second section (17) on each side of the engaging collar (5) during the movement of the second section (17) between a lowered position and a released position.