Closure Capsule Cutter Torque Transmission Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure capsules require significant effort to effectively open the frangible mouth, making it difficult to mix substances with the liquid in the container.
Innovation Solution
A closure capsule design featuring a cutter with a cutting edge and a cap that includes a transmitting mechanism with interlocking teeth to facilitate torque transmission without sliding, allowing for reduced force application and efficient opening of the frangible mouth, while maintaining compatibility with existing production lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the covering is screwed onto the container using a threaded coupling to push the cutter against the frangible mouth, then the frangible mouth can be opened, but significant effort is required making it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter is made movable along the cap axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The cutter can be pushed axially to engage the frangible mouth, then retracted axially after cutting. This dynamic movement enables the cutting action to be achieved with less force applied over a shorter distance, rather than requiring continuous high force through the threading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening function is segmented into distinct phases: the threaded coupling provides rotational movement while the cutter provides axial cutting movement. The cutter is a separate component that can move independently along the cap, separating the rotational threading function from the axial cutting function. This allows the cutting action to be performed with optimized force application.
2Productivity
If the cutter is pushed axially against the frangible mouth during screwing, then the mouth opens, but the mechanism requires complex interaction between threading and cutting motions
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded coupling and cutter are integrated into a single assembly where the cutter is positioned within the covering. The threads on the covering engage with the container while the cutter simultaneously moves axially to cut the frangible mouth. This merging of functions into one integrated mechanism achieves both threading and cutting in a single operational motion, improving productivity without requiring separate mechanisms.
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 solution reduces the force needed to open the frangible mouth, ensuring efficient mixing of substances with the container's liquid and compatibility with existing production lines without requiring new equipment investments.
Implementation Method 1
the cutter comprises a cutting edge designed to open the frangible mouth
Implementation Method 2
a transmitting mechanism with interlocking teeth to facilitate torque transmission without sliding
Data Source
AI summary
A closure capsule for closing a container, comprising: —a cap (2) to be associated with a container and comprising a frangible mouth (20); —a cutter (3) comprising a cutting edge (30) designed to open said frangible mouth (20); at least the cap (2) and the cutter (3) in combination defining a reservoir (8) for containing a substance to be dropped into the container when the frangible mouth (20) is opened; —a protective covering (4) for the cap (2) and the cutter (3), separate from the cutter (3) and, in turn, comprising: i) a lateral wall (40) that encloses a zone (402) for at least partially housing the cutter (3); ii) a base (41) from which said lateral wall (40) extends; —transmitting means (5) for transmitting an opening torque, from the covering to the cutter, for opening the frangible mouth (20), said transmitting means (5) comprising a first and a second portion (51, 52) incorporated in the covering (4) and in the cutter (3), respectively; said first portion (51) being incorporated in the base (41).