Closure Anchor Assembly for Oriented, Tamper-Resistant Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures do not efficiently orient the product-dispensing outlet and prevent unauthorized removal, leading to inefficient dispensing and potential tampering.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with a closure anchor unit and retainer unit that includes exterior and interior threads, anchors, and projections/recesses to securely attach the closure to the container, orienting the dispensing outlet and preventing unauthorized removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple closure design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to prevent unauthorized removal and ensure secure attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into separate functional components: a closure body, a closure anchor unit with exterior threads and anchors, and a closure retainer unit with interior threads and retainers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure anchor unit and closure retainer unit are nested within the closure body structure. The anchor unit extends into the container wall while the retainer unit engages with the anchor, creating a nested configuration that maximizes security within a compact design.
2Manufacturing precision
If the dispensing outlet is centrally located, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation for product release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing outlet is deliberately positioned asymmetrically on the closure body, offset from the central axis. This asymmetric placement optimizes the flow path for product release based on container orientation, improving ease of operation while remaining manufacturable through standard precision machining processes.
3Reliability
If multiple anchors and retainers are used, then reliability for secure attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional features are merged into integrated units: the exterior threads and anchors are combined in a single anchor unit, while the interior threads and retainers are combined in a retainer unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining the reliability provided by multiple attachment points.
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 system efficiently orients the dispensing outlet for easy product release and prevents unauthorized access by ensuring the closure remains securely attached, enhancing usability and tamper evidence.
Implementation Method 1
The closure anchor unit includes an exterior thread, a first closure anchor, and a second closure anchor. The interior thread is coupled to an inner surface of the annular skirt and is configured to engage with the exterior thread during installation of the closure on the filler neck
Implementation Method 2
Each projection is configured to extend into a respective recess when the closure is installed on the container
Data Source
AI summary
A package includes a container and a closure. The container includes a container body having a sidewall and a floor coupled to a lower end of the sidewall and a filler neck coupled to an upper end of the sidewall and spaced apart from the floor. The closure includes a top wall formed to include a product-dispensing outlet and an annular skirt coupled to the top wall and extending in a downward direction away from the top wall. The product-dispensing outlet can be oriented toward a side of the container.