Capsule Stopper with Concavity for Cutter Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure capsules for containers face challenges in assembling the stopper-cutter system due to deformation and excessive resistance during the insertion of the cutter, leading to connection problems.

Innovation Solution

A closure capsule design featuring a stopper with a monolithic plastic body, a rupturable bottom, and a cutter with a hollow stem, where the stopper has a concavity with a gap between two walls allowing deformation and fluid-dynamic sealing, facilitating the insertion of the cutter and enabling easy assembly and extraction from the forming mould.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cutter is sealed inside the stopper, then the stopper can be properly closed, but radial deformation occurs which hinders subsequent insertion into the container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing of cutter inside stopperVSAvoidinsertion of stopper into container

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper is divided into two walls (first wall and second wall) with a gap between them, creating a segmented structure that allows independent deformation of each wall during cutter insertion while maintaining overall sealing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper walls are designed as flexible structures that can deform radially to accommodate the cutter during insertion, then return to their original shape to maintain the sealing zone, enabling both proper sealing and easy insertion into the container

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If a gap is placed between the first and second wall to facilitate cutter insertion, then flexibility is improved, but the sealing zone must be shifted towards the container and connection problems occur during early insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion of cutter into stopperVSAvoidsealing zone position and connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The concavity in the stopper structure acts as an intermediary zone between the first and second walls, providing a transition area that guides the cutter during insertion and maintains proper sealing zone positioning without creating connection problems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The concavity is pre-formed in the stopper to counteract the potential connection problems that would occur during cutter insertion, preventing excessive resistance and misalignment before they can manifest during the assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP4455042A1Capsule with cutter and stopper with concavity

Publication Date: 2024.10.30 BORMIOLI PHARMA SPA

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AI summary

A closure capsule for closing a container, comprising: - a stopper (2) intended to close off a mouth of the container; said stopper (2) defining a housing (20) provided with a rupturable bottom (21) and which allows for accommodating a first product; - a cutter (3) intended to be positioned at least in part in the housing (20) and to perforate the bottom (21), enabling the first product to fall into the container; - a cover (4) of the cutter (3); said cover (4) comprising a base (40) and a lateral wall (41) that extends from the base (40); The stopper (2) defines a concavity (22) that at least partially surrounds said housing (20) and is facing towards the base (40). The stopper (2) comprises a second wall (24) and a first wall (23) between which said concavity (22) is interposed. The first wall (23) is in contact with the cutter (3), the second wall (24) is intended to come into contact with the container.