Closure Body Spout Orientation Control for Vented Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closure assemblies with venting features face challenges in achieving optimal dispensing flow rates due to overlapping or contact between venting ears when the spout is extended, leading to reduced flow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a memory band feature in the spout design, which allows the spout to be deflected and retained in a desired orientation, and utilizing a higher number of narrower venting ears without overlap, ensuring smooth and efficient dispensing by controlling the orientation of venting ears for improved flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single memory band is located adjacent the raised outlet opening, then the spout can be deflected and retained in a desired orientation, but the venting ears overlap or contact when the spout is extended, reducing flow efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The single memory band is divided into multiple separate memory bands positioned at different locations around the spout. This segmentation allows each memory band to control the orientation of adjacent venting ears independently, preventing overlap and contact between venting ears while maintaining spout deflection capability
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the spout are given different properties through the strategic placement of multiple memory bands at specific locations. Each memory band provides localized orientation control for its adjacent venting ears, creating non-uniform but optimized flow characteristics throughout the spout structure
2Device complexity
If fewer wider venting ears are used, then the structure is simpler, but the cross-sectional area of the flow opening is reduced, leading to slower dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The venting structure is segmented into multiple narrower venting ears instead of fewer wider ones. This increases the total number of venting openings while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of multiple memory bands that control each ear's orientation independently
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from considering only the width of individual venting ears to optimizing the overall cross-sectional area by arranging multiple narrower ears in a circular pattern. The cumulative effect of multiple narrow ears equals or exceeds the flow area of fewer wide ears, adding a dimensional arrangement aspect to the design
3Device complexity
If the venting ears are made wider, then fewer ears are needed, but adjacent ears overlap or contact when the spout is extended, reducing flow efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fewer wider venting ears that would overlap, the design segments the venting function into multiple narrower ears. The multiple memory bands ensure each ear maintains proper spacing and orientation, preventing contact while collectively providing sufficient venting area
Solution Approach 2:
The dimensions of individual venting ears are changed from wide to narrow, while the number of ears is increased. This parameter change, combined with the orientation control from multiple memory bands, eliminates the overlap problem while maintaining or improving total venting capacity
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 enhances dispensing flow rates by maintaining a selected orientation for directional discharge, reducing venting ear contact, and increasing the cross-sectional area of the flow opening, resulting in smoother and faster dispensing of container contents.
Implementation Method 1
a memory band portion (122) of the frustoconical section (54) adjacent the venting ears (57)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A vented closure assembly (120) for a container, the container including a raised outlet defining a dispensing opening, includes a closure body (22) having a nestable and extendable spout (31) formed with a generally cylindrical section (53), a frustoconical section (54), and a transition region (38), including an invertible fold (48), located between these two sections. The generally cylindrical section defines an outlet opening and a threaded closing cap (23) is assembled to the generally cylindrical section for closing off the outlet opening. A retainer (24) is used for connecting the closure body to the raised outlet wall and the spout includes a thicker wall portion (222, 322) for enabling the generally cylindrical section to maintain a selected orientation. A plurality of venting ears (57) are used to help provide the venting capability.