Closure Cap Assembly and Slotting Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing locking caps with a retainer ring and lid on a connecting flange are inefficient, requiring separate devices for assembly and slot insertion, which can lead to instability and increased risk of damage during the process.

Innovation Solution

A device that integrates both assembly and slot insertion in a single process, using a carousel with carrier stamps and a slot knife to create slots between the retainer ring and lid, ensuring a secure connection while maintaining stability and preventing accidental disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate devices are used for assembly and slot insertion, then device specialization is improved, but device complexity and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice specializationVSAvoidnumber of separate devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the assembly device and slot insertion device into a single integrated device. The assembly section assembles the closure cap with the connecting flange, and the slot section subsequently inserts slots between the retainer ring and lid, all within one device structure. This eliminates the need for separate devices while maintaining functional specialization through distinct sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions: it assembles the closure cap components, positions them on the connecting flange, and inserts slots between the retainer ring and lid. The single device structure incorporates both assembly and slotting capabilities, making it a multi-functional unit that replaces multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate devices are used for assembly and slot insertion, then functional specialization is improved, but manufacturing time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device enables continuous production by eliminating the need to transfer workpieces between separate assembly and slotting devices. The closure cap is assembled in the assembly section and immediately processed in the slot section without interruption, maintaining continuous useful action and improving manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the assembly and slot insertion operations into a single device, the patent eliminates idle transfer time between devices. The sequential arrangement of assembly and slot sections allows uninterrupted processing, directly improving productivity while maintaining functional differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If slots are inserted before assembly, then slot insertion ease is improved, but stability and damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslot insertion timingVSAvoidclosure cap stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs assembly as a preliminary action before slot insertion. The closure cap is first assembled with the connecting flange to establish a stable structure, and only then are slots inserted between the retainer ring and lid. This sequencing prevents damage by ensuring structural stability before the slotting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the lid is disconnected from the retainer ring, then ease of opening is improved, but environmental disposal risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening mechanismVSAvoidconnection permanence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure cap is segmented into a lid and retainer ring connected by slots, allowing relative movement for opening. However, the slots are designed to maintain a permanent connection rather than complete separation, enabling the lid to open for access while remaining attached to the retainer ring to prevent environmental disposal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3943260B1Device and method for producing a closure cap
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 CONTEXO AG
  • EP3943260B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3943260B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3943260B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A device for manufacturing a closure cap on a connecting flange has an assembly section for placing the closure cap on the connecting flange and a cutting section for creating the slot between a retaining ring and a cover of the closure cap, wherein the cutting section is located downstream of the assembly section.