Closure assembly, system and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers for dispensing sheets of material, such as wipes, face issues with lid deformation leading to loose closure mechanisms, improper orifice size affecting material dispensing, and potential detachment of lids, resulting in ineffective material control and potential tearing or clumping.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly with a flexible membrane and tab member that allows for controlled dispensing of articles through a channel groove, preventing deformation and maintaining a secure closure while accommodating varying sheet sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lid assembly is used for dispensing sheets of material, then the container can be sealed and stored, but the lid deforms during material removal causing the closure mechanism to become loose and fail
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is divided into separate functional components: a rigid frame providing structural support, a flexible membrane for material passage, and a tab member for closure engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, preventing the deformation issues seen in unitary lid designs.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane is introduced as a key component that can deform elastically during material dispensing while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the lid. The membrane's flexibility allows it to accommodate material passage without causing the rigid frame to deform, thus maintaining closure mechanism reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the orifice size is made small to control dispensing, then material control is improved, but individual sheets of material tear when pulled out through the orifice
Solution Approach 1:
The opening size is optimized to a specific parameter range that balances material control and sheet integrity. The opening is large enough to allow sheets to pass through without tearing but small enough to maintain controlled dispensing and prevent clumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a flexible membrane that can deform during material passage and a tab member that can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to the material being dispensed while maintaining control.
3Strength
If the orifice size is made large to prevent tearing, then sheet material integrity is maintained, but sheets clump or rope when pulled out and excessive moisture is released
Solution Approach 1:
The opening dimensions are precisely controlled within an optimal range that prevents both tearing and clumping. This parameter optimization ensures that sheets can pass through intact while maintaining individual separation and controlling moisture release.
4Ease of operation
If repeated opening and closing of the lid is performed, then access to material is enabled, but the closure mechanism becomes loose and the lid may detach entirely
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is segmented into distinct components with specialized functions: the tab member for engagement, the membrane for sealing, and the frame for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability during repeated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane provides a resilient sealing surface that can accommodate repeated opening and closing motions while maintaining the seal. The membrane's elasticity allows it to return to its original position after each operation, preventing the loosening that occurs in rigid closure systems.
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 ensures secure, efficient, and controlled dispensing of sheets without deformation or excessive moisture release, maintaining the lid's closed position and preventing tearing or clumping, thus enhancing the usability and effectiveness of the container system.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles
Implementation Method 3
an interior lid hingedly coupled to the frame along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A closure assembly (100) for a container (200) is provided. The closure assembly (100) includes a frame (105) configured to couple to a container (200); an interior lid hingedly coupled to the frame (105) along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid (110) includes a lid rim that defines an opening, a flexible membrane (300) housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane (300) defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, and a tab member (120) fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane (300), wherein the tab member (120) defines a channel groove (125) configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles. The assembly further includes a cover panel (150) hingedly coupled to the frame (105) along the first longitudinal side thereof and movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position.