Ferrule Locking Mechanism for Carafe Ornamental Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for attaching decorative elements to glass containers, such as bottles and carafes, are labor-intensive and not compatible with food liquids like wines or spirits, and there is a need for a non-removable solution that ensures the quality and safety of the contents.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a ferrule that surrounds the neck of the container with guide lugs and rails, allowing for easy assembly and locking of a decorative hoop without gluing, ensuring mechanical resistance and preventing accidental disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual positioning and gluing of a decorative hoop is used, then the ornamental appearance is enhanced, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual gluing process with a mechanical locking system consisting of a ferrule, guide lugs, and rails. The guide lugs engage with the rails during rotation, and the stop provides automatic mechanical locking, eliminating the need for adhesive application and drying time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly system is designed to be self-locating and self-locking. As the ferrule rotates onto the neck, the guide lugs automatically engage with the rails and are guided into the correct position. The stop on the rails automatically locks the ferrule in place, requiring no additional manual operations or tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual gluing is used to attach the decorative hoop, then the ornamental appearance is improved, but the process becomes complex and requires qualified operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex manual gluing process with a simple mechanical engagement system. The guide lugs fit into the rails like a key into a lock, providing automatic positioning and alignment. This mechanical system is easier to implement and control than adhesive application, requiring no specialized operator skills.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a decorative hoop is made removable for content replacement, then flexibility is improved, but product authenticity and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a stop on the rails that prevents the guide lugs from moving beyond a certain point during rotation. This preliminary constraint ensures the ferrule can only be assembled in the correct orientation and cannot be easily removed or tampered with, thereby preventing content substitution while allowing legitimate assembly.
4Reliability
If a decorative hoop is securely locked to prevent removal, then authenticity is protected, but ease of assembly may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating during the assembly process. As the ferrule rotates onto the neck, the guide lugs automatically engage with the rails and are guided into the locked position by the stop. The operator simply needs to perform the rotation motion, and the system automatically completes the locking action without requiring additional steps or tools.
Data Source
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
The system has a ring (3) surrounding an end of a neck, and guiding pins placed on an external surface of the neck receiving the ring. An internal surface of the ring includes guide rails (14) projected inside the ring, where each of the rails receives and cooperates with the pins when the ring is assembled to the neck and rotated around the neck. Longitudinal dimensions of the rails define a displacement race for the pins until ends of the rails are equipped with an end of a travel stop (15) such that the pins are supported against the stop. The ring is blocked in rotation. An independent claim is also included for an ornamental assembly for a container.