Closure Assembly Cap Retention via Segmented Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure assemblies for flexible packaging with spouts often result in caps being inadvertently lost or incorrectly disposed of due to their small size, and when connected to the spout for proper disposal, they can hinder the use of the spout by touching the lips of users, particularly children.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly featuring a cap with a connecting device that includes a breakable fastener and a ring, allowing the cap to remain permanently attached to the spout while ensuring the spout's functionality is not compromised, as the fastener breaks when attempting to remove the cap, preventing loss and ensuring correct disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cap is connected to the spout using a fastener, then the cap cannot be lost or incorrectly disposed of, but the cap hinders the use of the spout by touching the lips
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into two parts: a first part integrated with the cap and a second part integrated with the spout. These parts can separate from each other, allowing the cap to be detached from the spout while the fastener components remain attached to their respective parts. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both cap retention (when closed) and spout usability (when open).
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful part (the portion of the fastener that causes discomfort to lips) is extracted and separated from the cap-spout assembly. When the cap is opened, the first part of the fastener separates from the second part, removing the interfering element while maintaining the functional connection through the remaining attached parts.
2Volume of moving object
If the cap is small in size, then the packaging is compact and convenient, but the cap can be inadvertently lost by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is merged with the fastener system, where the first part of the fastener is integrated into the cap structure. This combination ensures that even when the cap is small and easy to lose, the integrated fastener mechanism automatically retains it by creating a physical connection that separates only when the cap is intentionally opened.
3Reliability
If the fastener remains connected after unscrewing, then proper disposal is ensured, but the fastener structure increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two simple segments that integrate with existing cap and spout components. This segmentation achieves the disposal correctness function without requiring a complex separate fastening mechanism, as the separation and retention behaviors emerge from the simple two-part structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-part fastener structure serves multiple functions: it provides secure closure when attached, enables easy opening through separation, ensures proper disposal by keeping components connected to their respective parts, and maintains simplicity by integrating with existing cap and spout designs rather than adding a separate complex mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A closure assembly (1) for a flexible thin-walled packaging (P) comprises a spout (S) and a closure (C). The closure comprises a ring (40) which is attached to the spout (S), a cap (6) for the mouth (20) and a fastener (50) which connects the ring (40) to the cap (6). A coupling portion (70) of the cap (6) can engage with a coupling region (72) of the spout (S) in order to retain the cap (6) in a predefined position with respect to the spout (S). The spout (S) comprises a lower plate (10) and a lower flange (12), which project radially outwards and are axially spaced apart so as to obtain a coupling seat (17) which forms said coupling region (72).